Field Vole
Microtus agrestis
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Overview
The Field Vole is Britain's most numerous mammal — around 75 million individuals — and the foundation of the Sefton Coast food chain. Kestrels hovering over the dunes are hunting Field Voles. Short-eared Owls patrol the grassland for Field Voles. Barn Owls hunt them along road verges. Without Field Voles, many of the Sefton Coast's most charismatic wildlife would struggle. They live in extensive tunnel systems under rank grass, running along surface 'runways'. Their populations cycle dramatically — good vole years produce good raptor years.
At a Glance
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Cricetidae |
| Habitat | Rough grassland · Dune grassland · Sedge meadow · Any rank grass |
| Diet | Grass — almost exclusively grasses and sedges |
| UK population | Around 75 million — Britain's most numerous mammal |
| Sefton Coast | Abundant in dune grassland throughout the Sefton Coast — the primary prey of Kestrel, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Open dune grassland and rough grass throughout the Sefton Coast. Runways in rank grass are the main sign.
Identification
Small, dumpy, blunt-nosed rodent. Dull greyish-brown above, pale below. Very short tail (shorter than Bank Vole). Small eyes and ears almost hidden in fur. Found in rank grassland, not woodland.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Lift any piece of old board or corrugated iron on the dune grassland at Ainsdale — Field Voles often nest beneath. Or part rank grass to reveal the network of runs. Never handle without gloves — they bite.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Kestrel numbers vary so much year to year?
Kestrel breeding success is closely linked to Field Vole population cycles. Vole numbers rise and crash every 3–5 years, driven by food availability and disease. In high vole years, Kestrels breed successfully and are abundant. In crash years, food is scarce and Kestrels may fail to breed or even disappear from some areas. The same relationship applies to Short-eared Owls, Barn Owls and Stoats.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.