Morning all,
Watervoles are small mammals that are quite widespead in Europe. They live around banks of slow moving rivers, streams, ditches, ponds and other waterways. They watervole population fell drastically (the drop was a loss of 90-95% of the whole population) between the 1960's and the 1990's. There has been lots of effort from conservation organisations to help this creature, and the numbers are growing.
Watervoles have long underground burrows, with nesting chambers and food stores for the winter months. They don't hibernate, but spend the cold winter months underground... or do they...
This stunning picture was taken by Tom Mason (check out his blog here) - a watervole in the snow! I'm amazed!