The otter population in the UK is slowly recovering after significant declines during the 1900s. Otters usually live in wetland habitats including rivers, streams, ditches, lakes, marshland and coastal areas. They are highly mobile and have large territories with multiple resting places.
When would I need an otter survey?
Otters are protected by UK and European legislation and as such are a European Protected Species. Otter surveys are needed if a development will affect a waterbody or habitats near a waterbody, or if there are known records close by.
What is an otter survey?
An otter survey will involve a systematic search for the evidence of otter presence. Habitat features of a waterbody will be recorded along with otter signs. Signs of otter presence include spraints (dung), holts (underground dens), couches (resting areas above the ground), footprints, feeding remains and slides (into water).
Otter surveys can be undertaken at any time of the year but they can be affected by the weather and dense vegetation in the summer. Repeated survey visits may be necessary for larger schemes.
What happens if otter presence is detected?
If surveys confirm reptiles are present on site and it is not possible to avoid impacting on them, it will be necessary to implement appropriate mitigation. The exact mitigation will be project-specific however it could include the use of otter-proof fencing, culverts or underpasses or the construction of artificial otter holts.
It will always be best to aim to avoid harming the otters or damaging or blocking access to their habitats. If this is not possible, it will be necessary to obtain a European Protected Species Mitigation licence to allow the works to legally proceed.
What Deepdene Ecology can do for you
If you think your project may require otter surveys, Deepdene Ecology can help by providing advice and experienced surveyors.
Deepdene Ecology Ltd 