Watch Water Vole foraging along the riverbank | RSPB Nature Breaks

Often mistaken for Brown Rats, Water Voles are our largest species of vole. They like to live beside rivers, canals and other bodies of water, where they can dig burrows in the soft mud. Take a wander by the right river or stream and you might see a blur of brown fur disappearing into the tall grass, which provides shelter and food for them. There's nothing quite like hearing the gentle ‘plip’ as a Water Vole slips into the water’s edge and paddles away. But today, it’s an all too rare sound. Once a common sight in our rivers, Water Voles are really struggling in the UK. Over the last century, they’ve disappeared from 94% of rivers, streams, lakes and other wetland habitats where they once thrived. [Cinematographer – Nick Rodd] For best audio experience turn off "Stable Volume" in your Youtube player settings.