Bank Vole - Clethrionomys glareolus

Head and body length: 8 to 12 cm, weight: 15 to 40g. Bank Voles have small eyes and ears and a blunt nose. Adults have red-brown fur on their backs, although younger individuals have grey-brown fur. They have creamy beige under-parts.

The Field Vole can usually be distinguished by its more sandy coloured brown coat plus a shorter and hairy tail.

Their typical habitat is woodland but they are also found in grassland and hedgerows.

All year round

Bank Voles forage day and night and feed on buds, leaves, fruit and some insects. They often climb among bushes while foraging for food. They can live for 18 months. Bank Voles breed from March to October and an average of four young are born after a gestation period of 18-20 days. The young become independent after four weeks.

Widespread and common across mainland Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.