A survey of the UK’s waterways called 2009 a "bumper year" for water voles, which had been considered to be one of the nation’s fastest declining mammals.

Habitat loss caused the UK’s water vole population to crash in recent years.

The study, organised by British Waterways, recorded 89 sightings of the rare rodent – twice as many as in 2008.

The number of water voles had crashed by 90% in recent years as a result of habitat loss and being preyed upon.

Of the 42,500 entries sent to the survey’s website, mallards were the most frequently sighted species.

Water voles (Arvicola amphibius) are the UK’s largest species of vole and are often mistaken as rats.

Adult males can measure in excess of 20cm (8ins), and weigh more than 300g (10.5oz). The rodents have an average lifespan of two years.

Although once a common sight along waterways, their numbers have plummeted in recent years.

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