Otter Survey

Everything You Need to Know About Otter Surveys

Although far from being the first fully protected species that comes to mind, otters are present throughout sections of the UK, primarily in wetland habitats such as lakes, marshes, rivers and streams. As a result of habitat loss and pollution, otter population numbers dropped drastically in the 1950s. In recent times, however, a steady growth in otter habitat has been happening, seeing occupancy in certain areas.

Similar in appearance to mink except larger and brown with a lighter underside, the otter is part of the Mustelidae family alongside badgers, ferrets, grisons, martens, polecats, skunks, weasels and wolverines. Otters feast on fish and crustaceans, eating such large quantities that they consume around 15% of their own body weight on a daily basis.

Various forms of wildlife are listed as European protected species, preventing any actions that could recklessly disturb, kill, injure, harm, disperse or capture them, and any actions that would impact their habitats. Legally protected species are covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as related legislation, such as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (a localised vehicle for the EC Habitats Directive), the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (the NERC Act 2006), and the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000.

As with all species that are classed as protected, otters require defending, especially during any practices that could cause harm to them or their habitats. A development proposal has the ability to trigger any level of danger to otters, and as such, an otter survey is necessary to remove or at least minimise the involved risk. Simply disregarding the need for site inspections will only lead to issues securing successful planning applications from the local planning authority and potentially lengthy or costly delays to the planning schedule.

Otter Surveys

Early in the development process, otter surveys will either be booked based on observations of someone working on the site, following an earlier ecology survey such as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) or Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA), or on the demands of the local authorities.

An otter survey consists of two stages; the first to confirm the otter presence or absence and the second to monitor otters and gather more information surrounding their activity on the site. If the ecological consultant is satisfied that no otters are present during the first stage, no further surveys will be needed. Alternatively, the second stage will be carried out.

Phase 1 Otter Survey

Extensive searches of the development site with a particular focus on banks and watercourses are used to work out if any areas are suitable for housing otters. Such habitat features that could indicate a suitable location for otters include the connection to water bodies, proximity to prey, vegetation cover and water quality.

Field signs of otters will also be considered, including otter footprints, otter spraints, otter couches, otter holts, riverside tree roots or the feeding remains of prey. A desk study will also be undertaken beforehand to retrieve any existing records that could determine presence on the site.

Phase 2 Otter Survey

Night surveys over several visits to the site will create an understanding of the otter activity, as water levels are likely to vary at different times of year. Camera traps and other specialised equipment are used to retrieve reliable data, with each otter holt and couch being identified and evaluated at length.

Based on the results of the monitoring procedure, the ecological consultant managing the process will be able to consider the findings and put forward steps to the developer that will progress the development plans and help with the planning application.

Otter Survey Report

Whatever the outcome of the assessment of potential otter resting places, the otter survey report will detail the results and any necessary steps that need to be taken by the developer. A complete lack of otters on the development site or no concerns that the planning project will affect present otters will lead to an immediate recommendation for planning consent to the local planning authorities.

A factor that gives the otter report principal importance is that if otters are present and show any potential to be impacted by the development, it will feature bespoke mitigation measures and compensation measures to guarantee their safety. Examples of mitigation and compensation measures could include changes to the plans, specific instructions to staff working on the site, new habitat creation, and the installation of otter proof fencing or artificial holts.

The completed ecology report specifically targeting the protection otters need can then be submitted to the planning department of the local authority as supporting documentation in the planning application.

Otter Survey Methodology

Various otter survey techniques are utilised to provide clients with the highest level of service in all of our otter surveys. Otters leave footprints, feeding remains and an array of otter shelters, giving our ecological surveyors an indication of the specific habitat connectivity in the area.

In order to record and retrieve sufficient information from the site, equipment could include:

Otter Survey Guidelines

Adhering to certain guidelines prevents us from breaking any laws in relation to planning and ensures that our ecological services are as effective as possible. Many different responsible bodies have either created parameters for such species as otters or at least had input on how they should be dealt with and treated if ever any are found on a development site.

Organisations that regulate the guidelines surrounding otter surveys include the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Environment Agency, Natural England, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), the Mammal Society and the UK Wild Otter Trust. Applicable Wildlife Trusts in the nearby area will also provide relevant advice, as well as the corresponding local authority.

Enquire About Otter Surveys

Our ecology team specialise in ecological assessments to benefit planning and eliminate any hazard to rare or valuable species of flora or fauna. If development works are set to recklessly kill, obstruct access or in any way disturb a protected species or their natural habitats, it is our job to provide advice that will allow the project to continue safely and with consideration to environmental features.

Before choosing Arbtech for otter surveys and other ecological services on your development site, you may have a few questions about the cost and timing of an inspection. In the section below, we’ve explained more information on how much an otter survey would cost, when you would expect to arrange an assessment, and how to request a quote from our team.

When to Survey for Otters

When it comes to protected species surveys, many are affected by the weather and the time of year. The main reasons for this include behaviours and habitats of the species in question or periods of hibernation that occur every year. For example, phase one bat surveys can be undertaken at any time, whereas phase two bat surveys can only be conducted between May and September.

In terms of otter survey timing, they can be carried out at any time of year. It is important, however, to note that prominent features, resting sites, coastal areas and large home ranges housing otters will be different throughout the year, meaning that the water level, temperature and other factors could alter the findings from an inspection. Spring is often claimed to be the unofficial otter survey season, as riparian vegetation isn’t yet fully established and a general view of the site is on display.

For information on other protected species survey seasons, visit our ecology survey calendar.

Quotes for Otter Surveys

Every quote we create for a client is bespoke and calculated using the specifications of the development site and planning project. We do this by starting with a baseline cost for the type of assessment in question and only increasing it based on the work we need to do. Creating quotes this way means preventing a developer working on a small project from spending the same as they would for a large one.

Due to the way in which we choose to price up our ecological services, we always advise that clients reach out to us and give us an opportunity to quantify how much an otter survey is likely to cost. It is possible to do this by calling us, filling out a quote form online, sending us an email or messaging us via one of our social media accounts. A quotation will be sent to you as soon as possible, giving you the freedom to decide if you want to proceed with us.

Reach Out to Our Expert Team

You may be completely aware of a resting place on your development site where otters roam, or habitat features may have led you, someone else in your project or the local authorities into believing that an otter survey is necessary. Whatever the reason, if there’s any chance that a European protected species survey is needed, it is enough reason to contact our team and arrange an inspection.

As a starting point, our administration team will be able to guide you with the best course of action based on your situation, and from there, we can stage the necessary ecology surveys over fully protected species, formulate ideal mitigation measures to counteract any negative impact on them, and assemble a report comprehensive enough to leave your local planning authority with no reason to deny your planning application.