Otters in your area
The Fourth Otter Survey of England (2000-2002) reports good news overall. There are, unsurprisingly, different levels of success from region to region across the country.
To read about each region in turn, click on the links below. Alternatively, you can order the report in its entirety by e-mailing the contact address at the foot of this page.
For reporting purposes, the otter survey is divided into twelve regions and catchments (click on map, top left). These fit, roughly but not exactly, into the seven English regions that make up the Environment Agency (click on map, bottom left):
- South West Region
Devon and Cornwall remain an otter stronghold, while Wessex shows encouraging signs of a more widespread population. - Southern Region
The River Itchen remains a stronghold, but in general a region of low otter presence and few signs of increase. - Thames Region
An introduction programme brings significant increases in otter sites in a scarcely populated area. - Midlands Region
Excellent otter distribution findings in the Trent, but disappointing results in the lower Severn. - Anglian Region
A substantial expansion of otter populations, as introduction programmes start to take effect. - North West Region
A small increase in otter sites in Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, with particularly encouraging results on the River Eden. - North East Region
Water quality and habitat improvements bring an upturn in otter fortunes. - Regional reports - The Fourth Otter Survey of England (2000-2002)
Downloadable pdfs featuring the findings of each of the 12 regions and catchments in the Fourth Otter Survey.
The Otter Survey for Wales 2000-2002 is being published later this year. Details will appear here.
