I have an exciting water vole story for you tonight, full of action and drama.

Small vole was feeding quietly in the usual spot. I think she is almost full-grown, but not quite.

We both thought we heard something rustle further down the stream, but small vole went back to feeding.

What I could see, but she couldn't, was this silent stoat gliding up.

Stoat raised her head. She knew the vole was there, just a few feet away. She only had to be stealthy.

But then - tremendous bad luck - I accidentally coughed very loudly, and the stoat disappeared in a flash.

Now you are not supposed to interfere with nature, and I know stoats have to eat as well. But you can't blame me for coughing, can you?

Ahem.