About Otters
The otter is a fully protected mammal that experienced a massive decline in its population due to the introduction of Dialdrin and DDT as pesticides in the late 1950s. Since the ban on these chemicals, numbers of otters have gradually increased and the species is now known to occur in areas where it was previously absent. These even include urban rivers and those with a historical association with heavy industrial pollution.
Given the increase in the distribution of the otter, general river quality cannot be relied upon as an indicator of presence or absence of the species. Otter surveys are now recommended where river banks and other riparian habitat are affected by development or river works.
Our Otter Services
Pennine Ecological are experienced otter surveyors who have found signs of otters on several rivers in England and Wales including; the Lune, Ribble, Calder, Irwell, Douglas, Yarrow, Lostock, Wenning, Keer, Gilpin, Severn, Ithon, Mule, Marteg and Ceiriog.
Examples of our work with Otters
Collinson Limited
Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) in Respect of Otters. Modular industrial development adjacent to the River Wyre and Calder, Lancashire.
Lake Windermere
Waterside Wood shoreline surveys.
United Utilities
Otter surveys have been undertaken in association with proposed maintenance/construction work on several sites in Lancashire.
Overton – Chirk Gas Pipeline
Otter Surveys of the River Ceiriog revealed signs of otters including holts.
Highways Agency
A5 / M6 toll road improvement scheme, Leicestershire and the A1M upgrade, River Nidd and tributaries North Yorkshire.
Quick Contact
If you would like to discuss how Pennine Ecological can help you, please get in touch with us.