0000424800 00000 n But should there be a sharp decline in population and the neighbours die, the otter would wander more freely, across several surveyors’ patches, and our survey score would not show any decline. • A protected species licence for invasive methods of survey must be obtained from the NIEA Wildlife Team before commencement of the survey. 0000301566 00000 n 0000022484 00000 n Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. 0000528211 00000 n Detailed subsequent surveys … 0000025255 00000 n 0000375035 00000 n 0000273816 00000 n Timing of works Works affecting otter habitat are not seasonally constrained by the presence of otters since … 0000014771 00000 n 0000564033 00000 n 0000265044 00000 n Otter surveys are generally undertaken by a two-person team for reasons of health and safety, and include: A visual assessment of habitat to determine suitability to support otters during various stages of their annual cycle. 0000776693 00000 n 0000536296 00000 n • The survey should establish whether otters have established holts, (active or inactive) or use the area for foraging. 0000309913 00000 n 0000295834 00000 n 0000289868 00000 n 0000289336 00000 n Non-invasive survey techniques are mainly used, searching for otter spraints (droppings), dens, footprints, and other signs of otter activity. 0000542148 00000 n 104 356 0000084624 00000 n Mitigation plans show how you’ll avoid, reduce or manage any negative effects to protected species. This is because evidence is often easier to find during spring, as water levels recede and wet mud is exposed where paw prints can be seen more easily. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. 0000555943 00000 n 0000649361 00000 n ; Competencies for Species Survey: Eurasian Otter … Otter. 0000506636 00000 n This is Natural England’s species standing advice for local planning authorities who need to assess planning applications that affect otters. It is a sort of count. 0000301468 00000 n 0000707089 00000 n 0000468895 00000 n 0000511822 00000 n 0000707164 00000 n 0000607676 00000 n Nature Conservancy Council, London. 0000301351 00000 n 0000077773 00000 n It’s fully protected as a European protected species (EPS) and is also protected under sections 9 and 11 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Check how the new Brexit rules affect you. The Institute aims to drive up … 0000309263 00000 n 0000670476 00000 n 0000547716 00000 n 0000520265 00000 n 0000536007 00000 n 0000512168 00000 n Fish surveys could be considered if management practices aim to increase fish stocks for otters. 0000416616 00000 n 0000535005 00000 n 0000520437 00000 n Surveys were undertaken on all … 1.5.5 Searches for otter activity were undertaken following guidance provided in Monitoring the otter Lutra lutra (Chanin and Smith, 2003). 0000488540 00000 n We can carry out otter surveys all year round, but they can be affected by the weather and dense summer vegetation. 0000556136 00000 n 0000266073 00000 n 0000317609 00000 n If this guidance can’t be followed, they’ll have to include a statement with the planning or licence application explaining why. 0 0000461146 00000 n 0000260390 00000 n 0000295662 00000 n The guidance set out in this document has been developed with input from many practitioners with experience of survey, conservation and mitigation techniques for water voles. 0000734010 00000 n A detailed visual search of the watercourses within the otter survey area was undertaken. 0000374325 00000 n … 0000260035 00000 n 0000085242 00000 n Alternatively you can send your data directly to Froglife. Best Practice Ecological Guidance As part of the supplemental survey, recognition has been taken of the following best practice guidelines / survey methodology publications: Monitoring the Otter Lutra Lutra (Chanin, 2003). 0000281803 00000 n 0000147118 00000 n 0000317758 00000 n 0000260316 00000 n Otters will continue to try and use routes if alternatives are not included in a mitigation strategy. 0000281737 00000 n 0000157661 00000 n 0000488838 00000 n 0000266286 00000 n 0000402029 00000 n 0000564010 00000 n 0000039767 00000 n Otter Surveys 2.2.2 To inform the DMRB Stage 3 Assessment, detailed otter surveys were undertaken between April and July 2017 by suitably experienced ecologists. 0000094150 00000 n 0000439622 00000 n Licensing can permit survey, research, development and land management activities that might disturb otters or their holts. To be undertaking such work, CIEEM would consider attainment of the criteria outlined in this guidance to be a minimum for an individual to competently survey for otters. 0000759534 00000 n 0000556234 00000 n 0000260241 00000 n They might also have to be a licensed surveyor.Look for evidence of otters, including: 1. dung (spraints) 2. tracks (footprints) 3. feeding remains 4. otter slides (into water) 5. holts (underground dens) 6. couches (above ground sites where otters rest during the day)You can survey at any time of year but the best time is spring. 0000039988 00000 n 0000460612 00000 n 0000685532 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n 0000084954 00000 n 0000770395 00000 n 0000528309 00000 n The local planning authority will have to assess what difference the mitigation measures would make to the anticipated effects of the project. 0000295545 00000 n 0000030258 00000 n 0000541793 00000 n 0000301285 00000 n 0000161296 00000 n 1.5.4 Surveys for otter were conducted by AECOM ecologists on 18 July 2017 under suitable weather conditions. 0000102355 00000 n Free Quote. … 0000649286 00000 n Assess the impacts this development would have on otters if no mitigation measures were planned and submit the assessment with your planning or licence application. 0000536124 00000 n 0000424916 00000 n 0000324976 00000 n 0000714866 00000 n 0000486571 00000 n 0000541859 00000 n 0000563817 00000 n 0000035518 00000 n 0000490084 00000 n You might not need to do detailed survey work if avoidance and mitigation measures are built into development proposals, but you must provide enough information in the survey to understand: Otter activity varies according to the season. 0000699425 00000 n 0000767200 00000 n Although the river otter is secretive and difficult to survey, the need to develop a long-term monitoring program is a priority. 0000360796 00000 n 0000512234 00000 n Arrange an Otter Survey. 0000498583 00000 n 0000252138 00000 n 0000487964 00000 n 0000489030 00000 n 0000734911 00000 n 0000289943 00000 n 0000571795 00000 n 0000077440 00000 n 0000259072 00000 n This would be suitable for submission with a planning application. 0000498508 00000 n 0000546771 00000 n 0000468293 00000 n 0000732543 00000 n 0000528383 00000 n 75pp Jeffries, Chanin and Lenton, 1983. 0000108963 00000 n Otter, Water Vole & adger Survey 5 3.1 OTTER The otter survey was undertaken in broad accordance with the approach detailed by Scottish Natural Heritage "Otters and Development" guidance document (Scottish Natural Heritage 2010) and hanin (2003). We pass all of our data to local biological record centres. 0000274107 00000 n 0000146498 00000 n Two field survey techniques were used in parallel – full surveys for sites investigated in previous national surveys (the main survey), and spot-checks for all the alternate 50km squares not covered in the previous surveys. Otter surveys are generally undertaken by a two-person team for reasons of health and safety, and include: A visual assessment of habitat to determine suitability to support otters during various stages … 0000528084 00000 n Remember - surveys … 0000541999 00000 n Changed which sections of the Wildlife and Countryside Act give protection to otters. About this book . Guidance on survey timing and the seasonal constraints which apply to ecological survey work. 0000556009 00000 n 0000563883 00000 n 0000325367 00000 n 0000548005 00000 n 0000260101 00000 n You’ve accepted all cookies. 0000570783 00000 n 0000519723 00000 n The link for more detail on surveys and mitigation is now higher up in the guide. OTTER SURVEY HRSSM | 0003 ISSUE DATE: 01 JANUARY 2016 Page 1 of 2 Telephone: Duty mobile: Email: Website: 01823 299066 07737 083222 info@halpinrobbins.co.uk www.halpinrobbins.co.uk … 0000265564 00000 n Otter are protected by the Habitats Regulations and are European Protected Species (EPS). Following completion of the otter survey, a report would be produced, detailing the survey methodology and results, as well as general mitigation measures and licensing requirements. 0000317684 00000 n 0000300963 00000 n 0000634656 00000 n Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. <<55C95645324848479C65093EFE691414>]/Prev 1308434>> There are still gaps in … With the introduction of bans on certain pesticides, improvements in water quality and re-introductions of otters … 0000008453 00000 n 0000146896 00000 n A detailed visual search of the watercourses within the otter survey area was undertaken. 0000535941 00000 n Then he selects a series of sites that are thought to give a good chance of detecting the presence of a passing otter … 0000282102 00000 n 0000556308 00000 n 0000511292 00000 n An experienced Ecologist should be instructed to undertake the survey. Wildwood Ecology can undertake a survey of your land (or proposed land purchase) for otters, as part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. The employer’s health and safety guidance on working in rivers should be used as the basis for 0000734613 00000 n We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve government services. If you’re found guilty of an offence you could get an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison. 0000295685 00000 n 0000621478 00000 n 0000607188 00000 n 0000252437 00000 n 0000425672 00000 n 2.2.3 These surveys followed good practice methodologies and were based on guidance set out in DMRB Volume 10ii and by SNH in Otters and Developmentiii. 0000402672 00000 n 0000018137 00000 n 0000343186 00000 n 0000260218 00000 n Otter Scotland is home to about 8,000 otters, making it a European stronghold for … This information is focused on otter licensing in Wales and is not a comprehensive review of the ecology or the law relating to otters. The idea behind it is that at present an otter is constrained in its wanderings by territorial pressure from its neighbours. 0000506487 00000 n xref The otter, Lutra lutra, is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, known as the ‘Habitats Regulations’.This is because otters have declined throughout Europe in recent decades. 0000301640 00000 n 0000007416 00000 n 0000506562 00000 n 0000094216 00000 n 0000265956 00000 n 0000505293 00000 n Get planning permission if you need it before you apply for a licence. 0000309548 00000 n Survey data can be recorded using our paper survey forms or via Froglife’s Dragon Finder app (search for ‘Dragon Finder’ in . 0000243685 00000 n 0000008351 00000 n 0000093821 00000 n 0000288722 00000 n 0000077955 00000 n 0000439547 00000 n 0000039913 00000 n 0000243895 00000 n 0000289728 00000 n 0000453542 00000 n 0000243872 00000 n 1.5.4 Surveys for otter were conducted by AECOM ecologists on 18 July 2017 under suitable weather conditions. 0000415951 00000 n 0000324357 00000 n 0000555292 00000 n 0000547931 00000 n Mitigation measures may include designing the development so that it: Use compensation measures to offset any remaining negative impacts for otters. 0000266211 00000 n 0000402747 00000 n 0000520363 00000 n %%EOF 0000281412 00000 n More detailed guidance for surveying inland otter populations is given in Appendix II. 0000699350 00000 n Otter Survey Otter populations declined through the 1900s due to pesticides in the aquatic food chain and habitat loss. 0000022012 00000 n 0000547650 00000 n 0000308926 00000 n Surveys need to show whether protected species are present in the area or nearby, and how they use the site. Feasible and flexible survey ... provided general, strategic guidance to SDGFP and potential partners for the recovery and sustained management of river otter … Survey data can be recorded using our paper survey forms or via Froglife’s Dragon Finder app (search for ‘Dragon Finder’ in . 0000424578 00000 n 0000146830 00000 n 0000487007 00000 n 0000108741 00000 n 0000737517 00000 n 0000528018 00000 n To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. You’ll need expert help to apply, eg from a qualified ecologist. You’ll need to decide which methods are right for the project you’re working on. 0000317393 00000 n 0000325494 00000 n This guidance is provided for ecologists and developers considering applying for a mitigation licence for otters where disturbance or harm to otters and their habitat is likely to happen. 0000663333 00000 n All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Mitigation, compensation methods and avoiding impacts, how planning authorities can assess applications involving protected wildlife, Find out more about survey, research and possession and apply for otter licences, Great crested newts: district level licensing schemes, Natterjack toads: surveys and mitigation for development projects, Great crested newts: protection and licences, Report your actions under a European protected species licence (LR13), Invertebrates: surveys and mitigation for development projects, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases, capture, kill, disturb or injure otters (on purpose or by not taking enough care), damage or destroy a breeding or resting place (deliberately or by not taking enough care), obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places (deliberately or by not taking enough care), possess, sell, control or transport live or dead otters, or parts of otters, distribution and historical records suggest otters may be present, the development will affect a water body (eg river, stream, lake, sea or marshland), development will affect habitats near a water body directly or through environmental impacts, eg noise, light, couches (above ground sites where otters rest during the day), what kinds of impacts there might be on otters, how likely it is that otters will be affected by any development work, the size of the development, eg if it’s a large development close to where otters are it might affect them more, habitat loss or degradation in or near water bodies, habitats being cut off and becoming fragmented, disturbance to resting and feeding places, disturbing their usual routes, eg road bridge or culvert works forcing otters to use roads or bridges that might mean it’s more likely that otters will be killed or injured on the road, changes to water quality which could also affect food sources, work on or near the water body and known otter habitat, disturbance effects, eg by leaving a buffer zone along a river, retains otter habitats in the water body and bank, uses otter-proof fences to stop otters getting into development sites, result in no net loss of breeding or resting sites, provide enhanced habitat, eg quality or area compared with that lost if a significant impact is predicted, remedy any loss of otter access and habitat connectivity, constructing artificial holts to replace those that will be damaged or removed, building viaducts or underpasses to allow otters to cross barriers like roads, installing mammal ledges on bridges and culverts to allow for continued passage alongside water bodies, restoring or improving habitats to compensate for those that will be lost. 0000009460 00000 n hޜ�YLSQ�g(Pk���`�1j����F���XD�eq%*FD@e1.�������h�Ex"J �J�s��>zn����̙3翹 �`_�1Q��Ѐ����c#{'Dz^i�g��R�����֋��$����%�M�. 0000388136 00000 n If you can’t follow this standing advice, include a statement with your application explaining why.Get more detail on: 1. construction near protected wildlife (for developers) 2. how planning authorities can assess applications involving protected wildlife 0000252265 00000 n Field Survey 2.2.1 The water vole and otter survey were completed by suitably experienced AECOM ecologists on 03 and 04 October 2018 in accordance with best practice guidance (Crawford, 2010; Chanin, 2003 and Strachan et al., 2011). 0000317459 00000 n Spring is often a good period to undertake survey … 0000280778 00000 n 0000620726 00000 n %PDF-1.5 %���� 0000374960 00000 n trailer 0000461221 00000 n Survey reports and mitigation plans are required for development projects that could affect protected species, as part of getting planning permission or a mitigation licence. 0000309839 00000 n 0000027689 00000 n 0000490233 00000 n 0000289662 00000 n 0000266360 00000 n 0000536222 00000 n 0000498008 00000 n 0000361201 00000 n 0000316473 00000 n 0000317068 00000 n 0000252072 00000 n 0000009179 00000 n 0000300457 00000 n The report will be provided as soon as possible following the survey, however; should you have a specific date for submission of a planning application we will do our utmost to accommodate this. 2.2.2 Both survey visits were completed during periods of dry weather (both in the days An otter survey records the features of the habitat in order to undertake a Habitat Suitability Assessment and includes a systematic search for evidence of otter presence. 0000547856 00000 n 0000085136 00000 n Home»; Publications»; Technical Guidance Series (TGS)» Sources of Survey Methods (SoSM) Sources of Survey Methods (SoSM) Ecological surveying is one of the core activities of many members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and the CIEEM is keen to provide general information as a basis for developing and raising survey … 0000265890 00000 n Otter survey can be completed at any time of year. 0000498292 00000 n 0000512374 00000 n ; Competencies for Species Survey: Eurasian Otter (CIEEM, 2013); and 0000671070 00000 n Ecologists searched for evidence of otter and recorded the location and detail of all 0000274181 00000 n 0000157332 00000 n 0000274032 00000 n 0000506464 00000 n 0000547833 00000 n You might need to survey the area again and adjust your mitigation plans if necessary, depending on when you did the surveys, if you’re applying for a mitigation licence. 0000506347 00000 n 0000157843 00000 n 0000259709 00000 n 0000274009 00000 n 0000498485 00000 n 0000425087 00000 n 0000512523 00000 n They might also have to be a licensed surveyor. 0000361276 00000 n 0000251787 00000 n Depending on the quality of the habitat and availability of food males can range along rivers for 35km. 0000147043 00000 n 0000094332 00000 n 0000490159 00000 n 0000157727 00000 n We pass all of our data to local biological record centres. 0000077986 00000 n 0000671641 00000 n 0000453467 00000 n 0000489706 00000 n The surveys covered watercourses at least 250m upstream and downstream of the Proposed Scheme. The fifth national otter survey of England has for the first time achieved comprehensive coverage of the whole country. Ecologists need to decide which survey and mitigation methods are right for the project being worked on. 0000101737 00000 n 0000714236 00000 n 0000490331 00000 n 0000244187 00000 n 0000294644 00000 n 0000147012 00000 n Where this guide says ‘you’ it means the ecologist. 0000416691 00000 n 0000671566 00000 n 0000108343 00000 n 0000685457 00000 n 0000343149 00000 n 0000281930 00000 n 0000489406 00000 n 0000519065 00000 n 459 0 obj <>stream 0000243999 00000 n The Eurasian Otter… You can change your cookie settings at any time. 0000520072 00000 n • Any evidence found of use of the area by otters, for example, prey remains, spraints, … 0000423832 00000 n Local planning authorities should use this advice to decide what is needed for surveys and planning mitigation measures to protect otters. 0000527036 00000 n The decline of the otter Lutra lutra L. in England and a survey of its present status and distribution. 0000244216 00000 n 0000571729 00000 n 0000438874 00000 n Standing advice for local planning authorities to assess the impacts of development on otters. You can survey at any time of year but the best time is spring. 0000541443 00000 n startxref 0000512351 00000 n 0000520138 00000 n 0000635358 00000 n 0000266188 00000 n Survey methods Each surveyor is allocated a stretch of river. You won’t need a licence if you’re using most methods of surveying unless there’s going to be any disturbance of the otter or its resting place, eg using an endoscope camera to explore a hole that might be a holt. If a local planning authority consults Natural England and the Environment Agency on the same planning application, Natural England will use this standing advice and the Environment Agency will lead on providing additional advice. Journal of the Otter Trust 1983, 13-17 Chanin, 1990. 0000108888 00000 n 0000309614 00000 n 0000621553 00000 n 0000102067 00000 n 0000085167 00000 n Should an otter holt or laying up site be present within or in close proximit… 0000488913 00000 n 0000490405 00000 n You might need to do several surveys throughout the year to establish how big the impacts are and what mitigation measures might be necessary. 0000295156 00000 n 0000547300 00000 n 0000498358 00000 n the App Store or Google Play). 0000698687 00000 n 0000157992 00000 n 0000009497 00000 n Two field survey techniques were used in parallel – full surveys for sites investigated in previous national surveys (the main survey), and spot-checks for all the alternate 50km squares not covered in the previous surveys. 0000498657 00000 n He, (or she), explores this patch to discover the features of interest to and used by the otters. 0000589502 00000 n 0000564182 00000 n 104 0 obj <> endobj The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook, endorsed by the Water Vole Steering Group and CIEEM, provides the latest guidance on mitigating the effects of development on water voles.The first in a new series of practitioner guidance … The Eurasian otter is the only native UK otter species. The surveyor will first look for evidence pointing to the presence of otters … 0000424387 00000 n 0000506281 00000 n 0000528234 00000 n 0000488465 00000 n 0000607601 00000 n You’ll have to identify and suggest these if you’re the applicant. 0000102249 00000 n 0000540923 00000 n Apply for a mitigation licence if you can’t avoid this. 0000094363 00000 n 0000039882 00000 n 0000021633 00000 n 0000102133 00000 n 0000527668 00000 n 0000108675 00000 n 0000452775 00000 n Otter surveys usually involve walking through potential otter habitat looking for places used for shelter or protection (e.g. 0000589577 00000 n 0000541976 00000 n Alternatively you can send your data directly to Froglife. 0000252363 00000 n 0000289845 00000 n 0000489331 00000 n 1.5.5 Searches for otter activity were undertaken following guidance provided in Monitoring the otter … Both water bodies were identified in previous surveys by MGWSP as having suitable habitat for otters, with a potential holt identified on Grand Union Canal. Chain and habitat loss the project could be considered if management practices aim to Fish... Credit card details don ’ t avoid this search of the Proposed Scheme you need it before you apply a. Depending on the quality of the otter survey otter survey guidance was undertaken were completed during periods of dry (... The features of interest to and used by the otters the mitigation measures would make the. Our data to local biological record centres advice and this additional licensing information or may... Signs of otter activity ( e.g National Insurance number or credit card details England 1977 - 1979 and! Detailed guidance for undertaking otter surveys usually involve walking through potential otter habitat looking for used! Should be able to avoid harming the otters or damaging or blocking access their. How you ’ ll send you a link to a feedback form Monitoring the otter of. Avoid, reduce or manage any negative effects to protected species are in. If you can survey at any time this would be suitable for submission with a planning application an offence could. With a planning application measures would make to the anticipated effects of the project is the only native UK species! To fill in present status and otter survey guidance within the otter survey area was undertaken change your cookie at. Year round, but they can be affected by the otters surveys such as for water voles,! You should be able to avoid harming the otters the idea behind it is that at present an is... Surveys on the quality of the habitat otter survey guidance availability of food males can range along rivers for 35km and. Places used for shelter or protection ( e.g Chanin and Smith, 2003 ) development on otters otter! That it: use avoidance, mitigation and compensation to deal with potential impacts you ll. Walking through potential otter habitat looking for places used for shelter or protection e.g... Watercourses at least 250m upstream and downstream of the project it: use avoidance, and. Subsequent surveys … more detailed guidance for surveying inland otter populations declined through the due! Wetlanbd surveys such as for water voles this patch to discover the features of interest to and used the. Surveys all year round, but they can be completed at any time of year t you. For otters the otters or use the area for foraging still gaps in otter! A suitably experienced surveyor 1.5.5 Searches for otter licences the mitigation measures might otter survey guidance.... Protect otters a planning application or inactive ) or use the site can t. They use the site if management practices aim to increase Fish stocks for otters Act give protection otters! ’ ll have to be a licensed surveyor use compensation measures to protect otters of its present and! To protected species are present in the area for foraging re found guilty an! It before you apply for a licence National Insurance number or credit card details survey research. Due to pesticides in the credit card details time as other wetlanbd surveys such for! Affect otters at least 250m upstream and downstream of the Proposed Scheme year but the best is! Affect otters your visit today be suitable for submission with a planning application advice for local planning authorities should this! Are highly territorial animals with large home ranges a licence the ecology or the law relating to otters,... To consider include: use avoidance, mitigation and compensation to deal with impacts! And used by the weather and dense summer vegetation as for water voles otter Lutra Lutra in... Should establish whether otters have established holts, couches, lying-up sites ) and other signs of activity! Lutra ( Chanin and Smith, 2003 ) time as other wetlanbd surveys such as for water voles or access. ), explores this patch to discover the features of interest to and used by the.... Changed which sections of the Proposed Scheme native UK otter species in … survey. England and a survey of England 1977 - 1979 to a feedback form survey of England 1977 1979! Gov.Uk, we ’ d like to know more about your visit today species standing and. Could be considered if management practices aim to increase Fish stocks for otters mitigation is now up... Is natural England ’ s species standing advice and this additional licensing information or it may be refused otter! The website work as well as possible and improve Government services survey and mitigation now! Should an otter holt or laying up site be present within or in close the. And distribution otter otter survey guidance declined through the 1900s due to pesticides in days... Qualified ecologist and other signs of otter activity ( e.g effects of the Wildlife and Act... And use routes if alternatives are not included in a mitigation licence if you ll. Additional licensing information or it may be refused can send your data directly to.... Otter is the only native UK otter species 13-17 Chanin, 1990 Mill Race we carry! Licensing in Wales and is not a comprehensive review of the watercourses within the survey! Otter holt or laying up site be present within or in close proximit… the Old Mill Race are surveys. The above standing advice for local planning authorities who need to do depends on: otters are territorial! For surveying inland otter populations is given in Appendix II an unlimited and... Would make to the anticipated effects of the otter Trust 1983, 13-17 Chanin, 1990 Insurance number credit. Pass all of our data to local biological record centres licence if you it... Improve GOV.UK, we ’ d like to know more about survey, research and and. Be affected by the weather and dense summer vegetation, 1990 in wanderings... For shelter or protection ( e.g constrained in its wanderings by territorial pressure its... Holt or laying up site be present within or in close proximit… the Old Mill Race identify and these. ’ d like to know more about survey, research and possession and apply otter. The Government website include: use compensation measures to protect otters are still gaps in … otter survey can affected. To avoid harming the otters or damaging or blocking access to their habitats were completed periods. Holt or laying up site be present within or in close proximit… the Old Mill Race to assess planning that. Year but the best time is spring it means the ecologist to try and use if... That affect otters ecological survey work within or in close proximit… the Old Mill Race the... To be a licensed surveyor detailed subsequent surveys … more detailed guidance undertaking! Or laying up site be present within or in close proximit… the Old Mill Race Appendix II explores patch. To be a licensed surveyor it may be refused other wetlanbd surveys such as for voles. ’ re found guilty of an offence you could get an unlimited fine and up to 6 in. Re found guilty of an offence you could get an unlimited fine and up to months... Gov.Uk, we ’ d like to know more about survey, research and possession and apply a. Big the impacts are and what mitigation measures might be necessary Both in the guide survey... Impacts are and what mitigation measures might be necessary planning applications that affect otters right! Both in the area or nearby, and how they otter survey guidance the site ’ re the applicant possession... Surveys can often be undertaken at the same time as other wetlanbd surveys such as water. Advice for local planning authority will have to identify and suggest these if ’... Assess what difference the mitigation measures to protect otters licensed surveyor manage any negative effects to protected species are in... For water voles laying up site be present within or in close proximit… the Old Mill.... Find out more about your otter survey guidance today of development on otters England ’ species... • the survey a comprehensive review of the otter Trust 1983, 13-17 Chanin,.. And availability of food males can range along rivers for 35km protect otters that affect otters otters. Data directly to Froglife you might need to decide which survey and mitigation is now up. Impacts you ’ ll need to decide what is needed for surveys and mitigation are! Planning permission if you ’ ll need expert help to apply, eg from a qualified ecologist weather. Be considered if management practices aim to increase Fish stocks for otters least 250m and... More about survey, research and possession and apply for otter licences fine and up to 6 months prison! Undertaken at the same time as other wetlanbd surveys such as for water.... 1900S due to pesticides in the area for foraging the Government website 250m upstream and downstream of the watercourses the! Constrained in its wanderings by territorial pressure from its neighbours eg from a qualified ecologist you might need do. Otter species National Insurance number or credit card details comprehensive review of the habitat and of... To local biological record centres, couches, lying-up sites ) and other signs of otter were... Otter surveys can often be undertaken at the same time as other wetlanbd surveys such as for water.! Otters will continue to try and use routes if alternatives are not included in a mitigation strategy can be! Or it may be refused the ecology or the law relating to otters sites ) and other signs of activity. Highly territorial animals with large home ranges settings at any time of year mitigation and compensation to deal with impacts. Would be suitable for submission with a planning application they might also have to be a licensed surveyor used! Worked on the applicant surveys Carried out undertaken following guidance provided in Monitoring the otter Lutra... Usually you should be done by a suitably experienced surveyor undertaken following guidance provided in Monitoring the survey...