Protected Species | Otters & Water Voles
Peak Ecology has a number of specialist riparian mammal surveyors capable of assessing habitats and providing mitigation advice.
Protection and Ecology
Otter (Lutra lutra) and water vole (Arvicola amphibius) receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended). Otter has additional protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017). This makes it an offence to capture, kill, disturb or injure otters or water voles, or to damage, destroy or block access to a breeding, resting or sheltering place. It is also an offence to possess, sell, control or transport live or dead water voles or otters.
Both species are widely distributed across the UK and occupy a variety of riparian habitats. They are often illusive during the day; however, the habits of both species allow confirmation of presence through observation of field signs such as footprints and spraints of otter and latrines, feeding stations and burrows of water voles.
Services
- Habitat suitability survey (normally as part of an Extended Habitat Survey);
- Riparian mammal survey and assessments (combined otter/water vole or species specific);
- Mitigation and habitat management advice;
- Method Statement production;
- Mitigation licence applications;
- Water vole displacement through habitat management;
- Water vole capture and translocation; and
- Artificial otter holt creation.
The potential for these species is usually identified during an initial Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA); for example, on a development project near a river or network of drains. If the proposals are likely to impact on suitable habitat, surveys for either or both species will be recommended, and planning authorities are likely to require this as part of a planning application.
At Peak Ecology we have several experienced otter and water vole specialists who have undertaken surveys throughout the country at a diverse range of sites, including upland moorland habitats. Whilst survey licences are not generally required for these species, a licence is required when a more intrusive survey is needed, for example, when the survey could result in the direct disturbance of otters.
A mitigation scheme will be required if impacts to these species cannot be avoided through strategic design or alterations to masterplans, such as retaining a suitable buffer to watercourses/waterbodies. We have extensive experience of mitigation schemes, including habitat creation and management for both otter and water vole. We have undertaken habitat manipulation techniques to displace water vole from areas of habitat and conducted translocations of water voles under licence. We have also provided artificial holts for otters.
If you are interested in any of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us >>