Otter & Water Vole Surveys

Otter and water vole surveys in Manchester and across the UK

Otters and water voles are both protected. If your works are on or near a river, stream, canal, ditch or pond, you may need a survey before the planning authority can decide your application.

We carry out otter and water vole surveys across most of the UK from our base in Manchester for developers, planning consultants, engineers, utilities and landowners. Our surveys identify constraints early, cut down delays and come with clear recommendations for planning, mitigation and delivery.

Otter surveys

Habitat assessment

We first assess the habitat along the watercourse to see whether it is suitable for otters.

Field sign survey

If the habitat is suitable, we search the banks for signs of otters, including footprints, tracks, feeding remains and spraints (droppings). Otter surveys can be done at different times of year, and more than one visit may be needed. Spring is often best, when signs are easier to find.

Water vole surveys

A water vole survey involves two visits to search for feeding remains, latrines, footprints, burrows and grazed “lawns”. There is an early season visit between mid-April and June, and a late season visit between July and September, usually at least two months apart.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if otters or water voles are found?

We’ll advise on how to design and time the works to avoid harming them. Where works can’t avoid them, a licence and mitigation plan may be needed, and we can help with both.