Otter

The otter is fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended.

This species is a secretive animal that is generally confined to watercourses, wetlands and coastal areas. The species can have territories extending up to 20km and will use a variety of habitats for establishment of holts (breeding sites) and resting areas. The distribution of otters is currently thought to be expanding throughout the UK.

ecosulis ltd employs otter specialists and the services we offer with respect to otter, include:

• Otter survey, to identify the location of holts, lay-up sites, couches, sprainting sites
• Habitat assessment, to determine suitability of sites for otter (often as part of Phase 1 habitat survey, River Corridor Survey or River Habitat Survey)
• Natural England, Welsh Assembly and Scottish Natural Heritage licence preparation and management
• Otter mitigation (under licence where necessary), including creation of artificial holts, design and supervision of otter pass installation and ecological clerk of works
• Habitat enhancement and creation, including wetlands, watercourses and green corridors
• Long-term monitoring and habitat management