Riverside Managment and Otter Holt Construction

Whilst the otter’s future is looking brighter there is still much to be done to improve and manage its habitat.

 

During this one-day course we will be looking at

  • Status, distribution, legal protection, surveys
  • Appearance, diet, breeding, signs, holts
  • Threats
  • Habitat requirements
  • River/stream corridor management and conservation to benefit otters
  • River channel management
  • Wetlands management
  • Fencing
  • Nutrient management
  • Other conservation measures
  • Artificial holt construction

There will be a river walk discussing habitat features and a practical holt construction session.

Recent Attendee Comments

  • Enjoyed looking at river environment and relating to otters and of course building the Holt!
  • A comprehensive course.
  • Most informative - given me ideas for an action plan on my river and leat.
  • I liked the venue, the content, the people, and the dog.  It all went too quickly.
  • I enjoyed building the otter holt.

See Calendar for date of next Riverside Management and Otter Holt Construction course.

Useful Websites

Devon Wildlife Trust Operation Otter is an initiative which aims to monitor and protect Devon's otter population with the help of volunteers.

The latest Otter survey of England has indicated a high level of otter activity in the Torridge and Hartland areas. Otters utilise all streams in North Devon even those running through coastal towns much visited by tourists. Read the survey document at

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/sw_region.pdf

  

The European otter is part of the same family as badgers, weasels, stoats, pine marten and mink (Mustelidae). It is listed in the International Union for the Conservation of Natures' (IUCN) Red Book as 'vulnerable to extinction'. The number of otters in Britain is not known, but they are on the increase in some areas. 

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Otter