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Otter & Water Vole Surveys
The law & Otters
Otters are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). This makes it an offence to kill or injure otters as well as disturb them or destroy their place of rest (i.e. habitat).
Otter habitats
While rivers are most often thought of as the typical river habitat, they may also be found in lakes, streams, coastal areas or even ditches connecting habitat. As well, the riparian habitat along the banks is very important and can include woodland, grassland, scrub, bogs, reed beds or any other vegetated habitat along the water. Otters will often walk along the river banks rather than swim in the water while traveling so any development along the river (particularly roads and bridges) can inhibit their range.
Otter holts (dens) or couches area are also usually found within the riparian habitat rather than in the water itself. Both the water bodies and the surrounding riparian areas are important for otter survival.
Otter surveys
If the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal has identified a habitat that may be used by otters, further surveying may be required if there is any potential for this habitat to be impacted. Given the large range for an individual otter (35km for males and 20km for females), it can be difficult to determine presence or absence. Otters will also use different areas of their range at different times of the season dependent on water levels, food availability, and riparian habitat requirements. For this reason, surveys are undertaken at different times of the year within the appropriate season and using a variety of techniques.
Survey techniques can include the use of remote camera traps and a visual search for holts/couches, tracks (in mud and sand banks), and spraints (sites for droppings). Searching for spraints is one of the most frequently used techniques as otters will mark out their range with spraints on bridge arches, rocks, ledges, tree roosts, etc. to protect their territory from other otters of the same sex (although otters of different sexes may overlap their range). Surveys are done multiple times over a year to cover different time periods and there should be at least five days without rain preceding the survey so that evidence is not washed away.
Otters and development
If possible, any resting places (holts) of otters should not be disturbed during developments.
If this is not possible, a European Protected Species licence will be required from Natural England, and a detailed strategy of mitigation and compensation implemented. We can create an appropriate Ecological Mitigation Plan for otters to inform your planning application.
With our in-depth knowledge of habitats and the specialist requirements of protected species, we can provide you with a detailed and achievable management plan. The objectives will be clear and concise and with our comprehensive survey information input, we'll ensure targets are met.
Our team can see you through the project from start to finish, from the creation of a suitable management strategy to site management and enhancement and ongoing monitoring after project completion. We are there with you every step of the way for smooth and efficient project completion.
The law & Water Vole
Water Voles have been lost from 90% of sites where they were present a century ago. Since 1998 they have been fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This makes it an offence to kill or injure Water Voles as well as disturb them in/or destroy their place of shelter or rest.
Water Vole habitats
Water Voles can be found in most waterways including rivers, canals, ditches, streams and ponds. They prefer slow-flowing water with levels that don’t fluctuate a lot and natural river banks for them to construct their burrows. In addition, they require well-vegetated riparian habitat with grass, rush, sedge or reeds and a small amount of woody plants (especially willow, hawthorn or elder that is eaten in the winter months); however they will generally stay within a few metres of the water’s edge.
Water Vole surveys
If a potential habitat is identified for Water Voles, Phase 2 Water Vole surveys may be carried out in April to October to search for evidence of their presence. Typical evidence includes:
- Faeces - 8-12mm-long cylindrical pieces, often green, usually found in latrines
- Latrines – collections of droppings used to mark their range, often found close to burrows
- Feeding stations – remains of cut vegetation left in neat piles, usually near the water’s edge
- Burrows – holes with a diameter of 4-8cm in river banks at different heights (some may be underwater)
- Lawns - areas of grazed vegetation, often found near burrows
- Footprints
The survey range to be surveyed may be dependent on the amount of habitat to be impacted, but will often extend beyond the boundaries of the site. Surveys should not be carried out if it has recently rained as evidence can be lost during this time.
Water Vole and development
Water Vole habitat and/or resting places shouldn’t be disturbed during development, if possible.
However, if this is unavoidable, a Water Vole licence will need to be granted by Natural England and a detailed strategy of mitigation and compensation implemented. We can create an appropriate Water Vole mitigation and compensation plan to get an application through planning and to advise a licence application.