Otter Surveys and Mitigation 
Our professional approach to each of our client’s project allows us to recognise the need for development while adhering to current otter legislation.
The information below is for guidance only and may not include all aspects of the species or its mitigation. Full details are available from our qualified ecologists.
Did you know? OTTER FACTS
Otter Legislation
Otters are protected in England and Wales by Conservation Regulation 1994 which states that it is illegal to:
They are further protected under Section 9 (4)(b), (c) and (5) of the Wildlife & Countryside Act declaring it illegal to:
WHAT WE DO
Initial Assessment for Otters
Before any building or development begins on a site which may potentially disturb otters or their holt we would perform an initial assessment survey to confirm the presence or absence of otters. As otters are active all year and can live along rivers, lakes or coastlines all banks along water courses must be surveyed within 100 metres of the site boundary before planning permission can be granted. A report is produced which is suitable to use with your planning application and highlights any potential impact on otters. If they are found to be in existence a further survey will be required and a mitigation statement produced.
Additional Otter Surveying
If evidence of otters is found during the initial assessment, a more detailed survey will be required to establish the level of breeding and resting site usage.
Otter Survey Methods
Otter surveys can be performed any time of the year, subject to suitable weather conditions. Our suitably qualified and licensed ecologists will look for evidence of otters in the form of their holts, droppings, footprints and worn pathways along the water course.
Otter Licence Application
Should the presence of otters be proven we will prepare a detailed mitigation method statement with our suggestions as to how the otters can be protected and conserved during and after development. This can be used with the licence application to Natural England which can take approximately four weeks so we would recommend an early application to avoid development delays.
Otter Mitigation methods
Our Creative Ecological Solutions maximise the choices available to you the developer. While preservation of the otters is extremely important to us we understand and appreciate the need to develop in the modern world.
Ecological Survey Times
Initial Survey: Year-round, with different evidence at different times of the year.
However, as otter can breed at any time of the year works may be delayed if breeding otters are found on site. Surveys are subject to suitable weather conditions.
Booking an Otter Survey
As soon as you know you need an otter survey we recommend you book a date for our initial assessment. Please either call us on 01676 525880 to speak to our specialist Otter Survey department.
Alternatively please email your details to species@middlemarch-environmental.com and we will call you.
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BREEAM Assessments |
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Phase 1 & Arboricultural Surveys |
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Protected Species |
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Mitigation Plans & Habitat Creation |
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EIA & Masterplanning |
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Business & Biodiversity |