"Ratty the Water Vole"

At first glance we thought this was a rat but after a Google search the pictures confirmed clearly that it was a Water Vole as its muzzle is blunter and more rounded, its tail shorter, its back not so arched and its fur soft and shaggy - the rats being sleeker and stiffer. It also stated that the character Ratty in Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows', was actually a Water Vole.

A much clearer photo of this friendly little critter is about to be posted up on (oldenglishe) journal if you wish to have a look! I don't think Bracken could quite make out what it was!