Otter Surveys

Development on sites containing or adjacent to, waterbodies (particularly rivers and streams) could potentially have an impact on otters. Otters are protected under European law. Numbers are now increasing after years of decline following a population crash between the 1950s and 70s. This was closely linked to use of certain organochlorine pesticides. Since the lowest point of decline during the late 1970s, otters have gradually expanded back into their previous ranges. Recovery has been slow in many areas because otters do not travel great distances and have a fairly low breeding rate. Despite this, they are being found increasingly in more and more rivers and streams. Ecological Sustainability can assess your site for suitability for otters. If the site is suitable, we can carry out full surveys and provide suitable advice on how to mitigate for impact or avoid impact on any otter populations that might be present.