Otter Surveys

Eurasian Otter - a UK protected species which requires survey evidence as well as mitigation measures and management plans as part of the planning process.
The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is recovering from severe decline across Britain and is present in many rivers and waterways – development projects close to water bodies might need specific surveys and the adoption of mitigation measures to protect these animals

The Eurasian otter is a protected species, so it and its habitats must be fully considered throughout all phases of development projects. This page outlines what might be involved in surveys and preparing mitigation proposals, whilst examples of how we have assisted project teams at Pontrhydyfen and Garnswllt are available elsewhere. If you want to discuss how we might help with your project, please contact us.

Key Info:

  • Otters are protected by a range of directives and regulations, and it is an offence to:
    • Deliberately capture, injure or kill an otter.
    • Deliberately disturb an otter.
    • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of an otter.
    • Intentionally or recklessly disturb any otter while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for shelter or protection.
    • Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure or place used by an otter for shelter or protection.
    • Sell, offer or expose for sale any otter.
  • The term “disturb”, as used above, is defined as that which is likely to impair their ability:
    • To survive, to breed or reproduce, or to rear or nurture their young
    • To hibernate or migrate (in case of hibernating or migratory species)
    • To significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species.

Surveys

Whilst otters might be seen alongside or in bodies of water at dawn and dusk, they are usually nocturnal animals, so surveys might include:

  • Checking ecological record databases for records of local sightings.
  • Assessment of the water bodies and adjacent habitats, as well as the local area, as being suitable/unsuitable for otters.
  • Detecting field signs, such as holts, couches, trails, slides, footprints, droppings and feeding remains. Searches might be conducted from within the river or stream (if safe to do so) and/or along the banks of water bodies.
  • Monitoring locations with trail cameras.

Survey reports will give details of the survey work undertaken, advise on the likelihood of otters making use of your proposed development site and its immediate surrounds and provide advice and guidance on avoiding or reducing the impact of the development on these creatures, to help satisfy the requirements of the planning authorities.

Our surveys are conducted in accordance with practices and techniques approved by national ecological and nature conservation organisations, environmental agencies and regional ecologists.