NearbyWild's video: Young Water Vole siblings playing King of the Castle

A very quiet morning meant that these young Water Vole siblings could play without constant disturbance from people walking past. Much to my delight, they suddenly played a game of King of the Castle, then one dropped into the water with a gentle, distinctive plop! I had heard these gentle plops on a previous visit, but the water voles kept themselves hidden in the depths of the Purple Loosestrife plant, due to being disturbed by people walking too quickly, or talking loudly whilst on their mobile phone, or letting their dogs in the water, so that all I saw were tantalising glimpses. I spent an hour and a half in their delightful company until they disappeared into their burrow for a sleep! If you walk quietly along waterways and have a quiet dog on a short lead, you might see them doing this too!