Otter and Water Vole
Why do I need to consider Otter and Water Vole surveys?
Otters are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended and the Conservation of Species and Habitat Regulations (2017) as amended. This legislation makes it illegal to:
- capture, kill, disturb or injure otters
- damage or destroy a breeding or resting place used by otters
- obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places
- possess, sell, control or transport live or dead otters, or parts of otters
Where are they found?
Otter are found in a variety of riverine and standing water habitats in the UK. They can range across long distances and have large territories. It should be noted that their resting sites are not always along the watercourse itself, but may be within suitable, connected habitat nearby, usually woodland.
Survey can be undertaken throughout the year.
When do I need to consider Otter and Water Vole surveys?
Generally, any development which has potential to impact upon a watercourse or large waterbody should consider otter. Smaller scale developments will generally have less of an impact on the species and therefore survey work and mitigation and compensation requirements are likely to be reduced.
The following are examples of works that could impact upon otter and should consider their presence:
- developments within 50m of a watercourse
- bridge/culvert construction and maintenance
- in channel works and maintenance
- bank reinforcements and repair work
- the creation of outfalls and the connection of the watercourse to new surface water drainage systems
Our ecologists have provided advice for a large number of sites with varying levels of impacts on otter populations, having provided advice of survey work requirements and avoidance strategies and designing mitigation and compensation strategies to ensure that projects proceed with minimal impact on the species.
What does a survey consist of?
Initially a desktop study and walkover survey should be carried out to confirm whether there is potential for otter to be present.
If the initial walkover survey finds that there is the potential for otter to use the watercourse or adjacent land, then a more detailed survey may be required . This involves checking the waterbody and adjacent land for evidence of otter activity. Such evidence can include spraint, anal jelly, footprints and feeding remains.
The survey area would also be checked for suitable resting places that otter may use, such as holes under tree roots (holt) and areas of flattened ground. If further information is required on potential holts or resting places that have been identified then wildlife cameras may be installed to assess levels of use, whilst causing minimal disturbance to individual otters.
What can OS Ecology provide?
OS Ecology Ltd. have extensive knowledge and experience of otter surveys, impact assessment, mitigation and compensation schemes and licensing, with our ecologists having worked on a number of schemes.