The Otter (Lutra lutra) is a species associated with habitats such as rivers, canals, lakes, estuaries and coastal areas. Otters shelter and breed in holts, which are often cavities formed under tree roots on the banks of water courses.

Otter is provided full legal protection and it is an offence to kill, injure, or disturb otter and to damage, destroy or obstruct access to the habitats of this species.

Otter surveys can be conducted at any time of the year but ideally during winter/spring, when vegetation does not obstruct visibility and the ground retains field signs such as paw prints and droppings (“spraints”).

GreenLink Ecology Ltd. is able to undertake otter survey work, apply for development licences and implement mitigation strategies.