Introduction

Water voles are small mammals that live near rivers, streams, and ponds. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with furry brown bodies, small ears, and chubby faces. These herbivorous animals are known to eat a variety of different plants, which we will explore in this article.

Grasses

One of the most common plants that water voles eat is grass. They feed on a variety of different species, including bentgrass, fescues, and meadow grasses. These plants provide the voles with essential nutrients and are a staple of their diet.

Sedges

Water voles also eat sedges, which are grass-like plants that grow in wetland habitats. Some of the most common sedges that voles eat include common or glaucous sedge, brown sedge, and black bog-rush. These plants are rich in carbohydrates and are an important part of the vole's diet.

Bulbs and Tubers

Bulbs and tubers are also a favourite food of water voles. They enjoy eating the bulbs of plants such as water lilies, buttercups, and yellow flag iris. They also like to feast on tubers from plants like water forget-me-not and purple loosestrife. These types of plants provide the voles with important vitamins and minerals.

Herbs

Water voles also eat a variety of different herbs. Some of the most common herbs that they eat include cow parsley, dock leaves, and nettles. They also enjoy eating the leaves of plants like comfrey and meadowsweet. These plants are a great source of essential nutrients and minerals for the voles.

Shrubs

Finally, water voles also eat the leaves and bark of shrubs. Some of their favourite shrubs include willows, alders, and hazels. These shrubs provide the voles with important nutrients and are an important part of their diet, especially during the winter when other sources of food are scarce.

Conclusion

Water voles are herbivorous animals and feed on a variety of different plants to survive. Their diet includes grasses, sedges, bulbs and tubers, herbs, and shrubs. These different plants provide the voles with essential nutrients and minerals that are important for their survival. Understanding what plants water voles eat is important for conservation efforts and protecting these important animals in their natural habitats.