The Water Vole lives along vegetated banks of slow-flowing streams, rivers and ponds and in this case has been found in Oswaldbick beck that runs through the park.

Water voles are Britain’s largest vole species, with a rounded face, blunt nose, small ears and dark brown or almost black fur. Their tail, which is two thirds the length of their head and body, is dark and covered in hair.

They can often be identified from the distinctive ‘plop’ sound they make when they dive into the water.

The Water Voles’ newfound progress is not a coincidence. Since 2017 the Environment Agency has been working with partners on the York Urban Becks project to restore wildlife habitat in the city thanks to Water Environment Investment Funding.