Formerly widespread, Otter populations underwent a rapid decline from the 1950s to 1970s. This was due to the combined effects of pollution and habitat destruction.

Although river water quality has greatly improved since this period and otters have begun to successfully re-colonise some areas. However, Otters are still subject to a number of serious pressures and several river systems within the Durham BAP area do not yet support significant populations of this species.

To ensure that Otter populations in the DBAP area continue to increase, the Durham Biodiversity Partnership have set up a 3 year project which is funded by Sita Trust which aims to address some of the current threats faced by these mammals. Such threats include habitat loss, disturbance of breeding sites, death by road traffic accident and the lack of suitable safe refuges.

The project aims to strengthen the existing populations of Otter by improving habitat along watercourses in Gateshead, Darlington, South Tyneside and Sunderland.  The conservation works that will be carried out include the following;

• Improvements to habitat along river banks (riparian habitat such as reedbeds help increase the availability of the otter’s natural food source).

• Installation of artificial Otter holts (dens).

• Improvements in connectivity to off stream breeding sites.

• Installation of underpasses and mammal ledges to bridges to prevent Otters being killed on roads.

• Surveying with the help of volunteers to determine Otter populations throughout the lifetime of the project.

To find out more about the Otter Project or to find out how you can get involved contact Karen Devenney on 0191 5843112 or email karendevenney@durhambiodiversity.org.uk

Rivers and Streams Action Plan

The project is supported by the SITA trust.