Bibury is obviously a popular destination. But did you know it was a favourite of the water vole spotting community? I have it on good authority (i.e. my brother Rich) that they visit the village in large numbers.

Here are some water vole facts that not a lot of people know......

1. Males have a territory of around 100m up the river bank, and females of around 60m.

2. They have a gestation period of two weeks and breed up to five times a year.

3. From a litter of eight babies only one is expected to reach maturity.

4. They love apples.

5. Ratty from Wind in the Willows was actually a water vole.

Thankfully the mink population has now been all but eradicated on the Coln and the water vole population is growing. But one problem now is that the swans are killing them. Feeding the ducks and swans makes them very aggressive apparently and they attack the voles as they see them as competition for food.

So when you’re down by the riverside look out for Rattie and don’t be tempted to feed the waterfowl.