Animals

The Kennet valley is now a stronghold for that much-loved and much-declined animal, the Water Vole. It can be mistaken for a rat, which also forage along the river, but it has a shorter tail, more rounded head and browner fur. It is most easily detected by looking for its characteristic prints in wet mud, or searching for the distinctive burrow entrances, generally just above the water's edge. Unfortunately, it has few defences against the mink, an escaped predator from America, and its future may depend on effective mink control. The valley is also good for bats, especially the Pipistrelle which feeds on small flying insects near the river. Look out too for the Grass Snake, which swims in the quiet reaches and feeder streams in search of frogs and other prey.  Sightings of otters are becoming more frequent and evidence of crayfish shells and spraint can be seen.