Acer Ecology has been involved in several otter projects across Devon.
Most recently, this involved a survey of a stretch of river as part of an extended Phase 1 habitat survey. Records of otters were known on the river, and the proposed development of an agricultural site adjacent to the river meant that adverse impacts to any holting otters could have occurred. Acer Ecology’s experienced ecologists surveyed 300m of river channel either side of the proposed development site. Otter spraints and footprints were recorded on the banks of the river, but no holts or natal dens were identified. Appropriate precautionary measures were recommended, and the project progressed smoothly through planning.
We have the capacity to carry out surveys in areas across the entire county, such as in Exeter, Torquay, Okehampton, Launceston, Barnstaple and Tiverton, as well as the Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. We are also well placed to serve the surrounding counties of Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
Otters and their habitats are fully protected under the UK and European law. Developments affecting otters or their resting places will require a European Protected Species Licence prior to the commencement of bank-side works.
Otter surveys are not seasonally constrained and can be undertaken throughout the year, although they can be limited by vegetation cover and weather conditions. It is therefore important to detect the presence of otters at an early stage in the planning process.
Mitigation for otters can include locating site compounds away from riverine habitat, restricting lighting in the area near the watercourse at night and excluding construction workers from these areas. If a proposed development is likely to result in the significant loss of habitat, mitigation may involve habitat creation and the construction of artificial otter holts in sections of the watercourse which will remain unaffected by the works. Sympathetic bridge design and the installation of otter-proof fencing along existing or new roads may also be required to ensure that otters are not forced onto any nearby carriageways during times of high water.
Our ecologists have designed successful mitigation strategies for developments found to be in close proximity to otter habitat allowing developments to go ahead with minimal disruption.
For more information about otter surveys or any of our other ecological services, please call us on 02920 650 331, or email us at enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.
More information about otters can be found in our article – Things you Otter Know.
