Otter

The otter Lutra lutra is a European Protected Species which is making a gradual comeback throughout the UK after a severe population decline. It is generally found in riparian habitats as well as estuaries and along coastlines.

Surveys may be conducted throughout the year, depending upon weather conditions, as the otter does not hibernate. The surveys follow systematic inspection of waterways and associated features for distinctive signs, including footprints, spraints (droppings) and feeding remains, taking note of potential rest sites and otter holts (dens). Camera traps may be deployed to enable non-invasive confirmation of whether or not a feature is being used as a holt.

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Case study - Low Carbon Hub & Sandford Hydro

Spires Ecology Ltd. were appointed to undertake otter and water vole surveys in the vicinity of development works to return the Lasher Weir on the River Thames to its' historic role as a provider of clean energy. The community project planned to build a hydro electric scheme to generate electricity from the flow of river water, and incorporated a fish pass into the scheme to allow fish species to safely pass the screw - the first of it's kind in the country. Otter surveys for signs and using camera traps indicated an infrequently-used otter holt was present in the footprint of the development, in an area that would only be temporarily affected. We were granted a Natural England EPS licence on behalf of the Low Carbon Hub to temporarily exclude otter from this area for the duration of the works, and to protect the holt in perpetuity.

http://www.lowcarbonhub.org/projects/sandford-hydro

An inquisitive otter examining the top of a holt, photographed using a camera trap.

A large dog otter frequenting an Oxford boathouse.

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