Otter Surveys

Scientific Name: Lutra lutra

The otter suffered a dramatic decline in numbers during the middle of the 20th Century, which was attributed to pollution and habitat loss. Populations of otters are now making a slow recovery throughout the UK. Otters are fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. The legislation makes it an offence to kill, injure or disturb an otter and to destroy any place used for rest or shelter by an otter. Additional protection is also provided by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000). Otters are also listed as a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

Otters can be found in all types of wetland habitats, including rivers, streams, marshes, ditches and lakes, as well as coastal areas and their large home ranges may incorporate a variety of habitat types.

In order to avoid a breach of the legislation, it is important that any works directly affecting or within close proximity to water bodies are preceded by an otter survey to determine presence or presumed absence of this species and any specific mitigation that will be legally required by the Local Planning Authority.

How to Book an Otter Survey

EMEC Ecology work with many different clients from large council projects to small residential development sites. Each survey will therefore be specific to a site and the costs will change accordingly. EMEC Ecology will be happy to provide a quotation for any otter survey that will be both efficient and cost effective to the site specifics. Reports are produced as soon as possible however should you have a specific date for submission with a planning application we will do our utmost to accommodate this.

If you require a quotation please send an email to us at mail@emec-ecology.co.uk including any site plans that you have available (or details and photographs of the site if applicable) with details of the proposed development plans of the site, along with your name and contact details. Should you wish to contact us at the office please call 0115 9644828.

Otter Survey Methodology

In order to ensure legal compliance, as well as to satisfy Local Planning Authorities, it is often necessary to have an otter survey undertaken. This survey will be carried out by an experienced ecologist and an assistant following the standard methodology. This involves a search for;

• Droppings (spraints)
• Footprints
• Feeding remains
• Lying-up areas
• Holts (permanent places of rest and shelter)
• Areas of habitat considered suitable for otters

Following completion of the otter survey, a report would be produced, detailing the survey methodology and results, as well as general mitigation measures and licensing requirements. This would be suitable for submission with a planning application.

Survey Times

Otter surveys can be undertaken throughout the year.

Otter Licensing and Mitigation

Licencing Requirements for Otters

Should an otter holt or laying up site be present within or in close proximity to a development site, where it is likely that the otters will be either disturbed or harmed, a license from Natural England may be required. As part of the licence, detailed mitigation will be required to ensure minimal impacts on the species.

Should a license be required EMEC Ecology can apply for this on your behalf. EMEC Ecology has the ability to design and implement site specific mitigation that will be suitable for a planning application.

Mitigation Measures for Otters

Dependant upon the development proposals and the survey results, a variety of mitigation solutions may be proposed by EMEC Ecology. Some mitigation strategies must be undertaken under a European Protected Species Licence (EPS), which EMEC Ecology can apply for on behalf of the client.

Timing of Works

It may be possible to carry out the works during daylight hours only, in order to avoid disruption to the otter's nocturnal movement.

Creation of an Artificial Otter Holt

An artificial holt may be created as replacement or compensation for disturbance to existing otter habitats. This can be done in a variety of ways, using a variety of materials, such as logs, rough stones, breezeblocks, bricks and plastic pipes. It is important that the holt is located in appropriate habitat and EMEC Ecology can advise on all aspects of artificial holt construction.

Habitat Creation

Habitat creation can form an important part of otter mitigation. It can be important in the construction of new roads or bridges, when a safe passage for otter should be ensured, to minimise mortality from vehicle collisions. Additionally, existing habitats can be enhanced by planting to provide good potential cover for otters.

Examples of Otter Surveys and Mitigation

EMEC Ecology have experience of otter surveys and mitigation throughout the UK, including within Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Examples of surveys and mitigation include;

Otter EPS Licence and Mitigation, Newark, Nottinghamshire

Creation of an artificial holt and appropriate timing of works on the River Trent near Newark in Nottinghamshire. A large otter mitigation scheme was designed following the discovery of an otter laying-up site and several sprainting sites in close proximity to works, which would cause large scale disturbance and disruption to the banks of the River Trent. The mitigation involved carrying out works during the day only, to avoid interruptions to the nocturnal movements of otters along the river. The sprainting and laying-up areas were also fenced off during the works to avoid transgression of machinery into these sensitive areas. An existing outfall pipe was also converted into an artificial holt site. The planting scheme associated with the new development was also designed to provide additional cover for otters as well as to act as a buffer between the otter's habitat and the development site.