Otter & Water Vole Surveys

Background
Otters and water voles are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countyrside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to intentionally capture, kill, disturb or injure otters or water voles; damage, destroy or block access to their breeding and resting places or places of shelter; or possess, sell, control or transport live or dead animals or parts of them. As part of a planning application, your local authority is likely to ask you for a water vole and otter survey as part of a planning application if there are slow-moving streams, rivers or ditches on, or next to, your site.

Survey Methods

Phase 1 Otter Survey
The first phase for surveying will include a visual assessment of the habitat will be carried out to determine suitability to support otters.

Phase II Otter Survey
If potential habitat is identified, an inspection for evidence of otters will be carried out along the watercourse, including footprints, tracks, feeding remains and spraints (droppings).
Otter surveys can be carried out between May to September with optimal survey period in spring when evidence is more easily observed. Surveys are done multiple times over a year to cover different time periods.

Water Vole Survey
Two site visits to search for evidence of water voles, including feeding remains, latrines, footprints and grazed ‘lawns’. These visits comprise an early season visit (Mid April-June) and a late season visit (July-September). Survey visits are generally completed at least two months apart.

Report
Following the survey we will provide a detailed report showing our findings and any required mitigation. If required we can develop a suitable mitigation plan for you.