Otters

[Mark43]

Well yet another animal i have yet to see in the wild.

I understand (although i may be wrong) that otters are doing fairly well in this country these days.

I know Devon is a stronghold for them but how well are they spreading?

By that i mean how far east are they and in what sort of numbers?

Do any of our members see many when out and about?

I'm in Sussex.........are they reportedly in this County yet?

[wildone]

Don't know about Sussex but was out talking to a ranger on Monday and they have been seen in Cambridgshire.

[paulthomas]

They're in the local rivers around here I'm told. The chances of seeing one are very remote though.

[Jonny]

Hi Mark...............I have seen otters before on Mull and they are amazing to see, always seem to be eating. I have heard storys told of holts being made for otters in secret places along the arun and adur. I know a water bailief (sp?), I will ask him..................Jon (wanting to see one again)

[Willow]

Hi Mark,

Seeing an otter in the wild would be an amazing wildlife watching experience, wouldn't it? One of those sightings my dreams are made of!

Yes, it certainly seems, from various stuff I've read, that the otter is making a comeback in some of the areas where it has been absent for so long.....Only last weekend, there was a fantastic piece of news in our local paper: otters have returned to suburban Bristol!

Apparently, Avon Wildlife Trust researchers found signs of otters here whilst surveying white clawed crayfish! What a fabulous surprise pressie!

I also read recently (in the March issue of BBC Wildlife magazine) that an otter has been sighted this year at nearby Slimbridge WWT reserve - for the first time since they arrived in the area two years ago, again after a long absence. I've just checked out their website and they mention it there too:

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbrid...?ReserveID=629

Such heartening news, isn't it?

I don't know about the current otter situation in Sussex, I'm afraid. When I was conservation volunteering in Kent 10 years ago, the local countryside project was erecting artificial otter holts along the River Stour. I moved away from the area just as the project was getting started - not sure whether they've had any success. I'd love to hear if anyone knows how the otter is doing in the South East - or their local area anywhere in Britain!

[Mark43]

Originally Posted by Jonny

Hi Mark...............I have seen otters before on Mull and they are amazing to see, always seem to be eating. I have heard storys told of holts being made for otters in secret places along the arun and adur. I know a water bailief (sp?), I will ask him..................Jon (wanting to see one again)

Lucky you Jonny.I am sure i will find the time one day to visit some Otter haunts and finally see one.

Interesting if what you say about the Arun and Adur is true.
That would put them firmly in our backyard.

[Mark43]

Originally Posted by Willow

Hi Mark,

Seeing an otter in the wild would be an amazing wildlife watching experience, wouldn't it? One of those sightings my dreams are made of!

Yes, it certainly seems, from various stuff I've read, that the otter is making a comeback in some of the areas where it has been absent for so long.....Only last weekend, there was a fantastic piece of news in our local paper: otters have returned to suburban Bristol!

Apparently, Avon Wildlife Trust researchers found signs of otters here whilst surveying white clawed crayfish! What a fabulous surprise pressie!

I also read recently (in the March issue of BBC Wildlife magazine) that an otter has been sighted this year at nearby Slimbridge WWT reserve - for the first time since they arrived in the area two years ago, again after a long absence. I've just checked out their website and they mention it there too:

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbrid...?ReserveID=629

Such heartening news, isn't it?

I don't know about the current otter situation in Sussex, I'm afraid. When I was conservation volunteering in Kent 10 years ago, the local countryside project was erecting artificial otter holts along the River Stour. I moved away from the area just as the project was getting started - not sure whether they've had any success. I'd love to hear if anyone knows how the otter is doing in the South East - or their local area anywhere in Britain!

Amazing indeed Willow.

It's one of my top 10 creatures i would love to see only bettered by a Golden Eagle and any Whale.

With the quality of our rivers improving generally it can only be a good thing for otters and all wildlife hopefully.

[Jonny]

Originally Posted by Mark43

Amazing indeed Willow.

It's one of my top 10 creatures i would love to see only bettered by a Golden Eagle and any Whale.

With the quality of our rivers improving generally it can only be a good thing for otters and all wildlife hopefully.

Mark...........You need to get yourself up to Mull..............Sea eagles, golden eagles, otters, whales if your very lucky (we saw poipoise (sp?)). Must get myself back up there somewhen.........................Jon

[Mark43]

Originally Posted by Jonny

Mark...........You need to get yourself up to Mull..............Sea eagles, golden eagles, otters, whales if your very lucky (we saw poipoise (sp?)). Must get myself back up there somewhen.........................Jon

I have actually been there but over 15 years ago or more.

Back in the days when wildlife wasn't important to me unfortunately.

Thankfully i have seen the light as i have gotten older.

Yes i know i need to go back..........as always it's finding the time to do all these things.

[carlj]

Trentham Gardens have them signposted as being there. But I've yet to encounter our local otters!