Ratty from "The Wind in The Willows" was in fact a Water Vole, one of our important British Mammals. Although Ratty was known as a water rat he was quite different from our common rat, both in looks and characteristics. Water voles have blunt noses, neat ears and a hairy tail whereas the rat has a pointed nose, large ears and scaly tail. Water voles are vegetarian unlike rats who have a hugely varied diet. Rats are rather bold and can be found close to human habitation whereas the water vole stays near the river and is shy and elusive.

Water voles were once widespread in Britain, but over time changes in the countryside has lead to a loss of habitat and an increase in threats to the water vole. Rivers are engineered and dredged and wetlands have been drained, farming practices have altered and riverside habitats have been lost to development. Also American Mink living wild in the Stour Valley prey on voles. It is therefore important that any remaining habitat be looked after.