Otter Surveys
Otters and their habitats are fully protected under the UK and European law. Developments affecting otters or their resting places will require a European Protected Species Licence prior to the commencement of bank-side works.
Otter surveys are not seasonally constrained and can be undertaken throughout the year, although they can be limited by vegetation cover and poor weather conditions. Non-invasive survey techniques are mainly used, searching for otter spraints (droppings), dens, footprints, and other signs of otter activity.
Otter legislation and protection
Otters are fully protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), and are a European Protected Species. It is illegal to:
Deliberately capture, injure, kill, or disturb otters,
Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure/place used for shelter or protection, or
Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place.
If convicted of an offence the penalties can be severe, including a fine of up to £5000 (per animal) and/or six months in prison.