Otter

Otters and their habitats are fully protected under UK and European legislation including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. It is an offence to kill, injure or disturb an otter, take an otter from the wild, damage/obstruct a place of otter shelter/protection or disturb an otter while in a place of shelter.

ECOSA have extensive experience in surveying for otter, including the identification of field signs associated with this species and the use of remote-sensing equipment to confirm presence, and to identify key foraging and commuting habitat. Surveying of otter can be carried out at any time of the year, although surveys are most successful in the summer and autumn periods.

Using our survey data to devise appropriate mitigation strategies, we have successful obtained Natural England licences for development works affecting this species and its resting places. Mitigation works range from the establishment of temporary exclusion zones to the construction of artificial otter holts.

Minimum survey requirements for otter: There is no standard guidance for otter surveys.  An initial site assessment would be followed up by surveys appropriate to the site and the nature of the evidence found.