Otter on the River Severn
Shropshire Otter Project
All records collected will be forwarded to the Shropshire Mammal Group and will be logged in the county records database. For information on what to do if you find a dead otter, please please visit the
University of Cardiff Otter Project webpage here
What are we doing?
WIth funding from Tesco Bags of Help scheme, we launched the Shropshire Otter project in May 2017. Otter populations are fragmented throughout England but there have been many sightings in the River Severn, Shropshire. Our project aims to help secure their presence and improve their chance of survival.
So far we have:
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Trained volunteers in surveying for otter signs, e.g. footprint and droppings recognition,
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Maintained the otter distribution map, collected data on feeding patterns and looked at the relationship between water condition and otter success
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Provided a dedicated webpage and visual display at The Cut Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury
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Raised awareness to ensure people understand the importance of clean water for wildlife
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Help guide the public on how they should interact with otters to ensure minimum disturbance without reducing public enjoyment
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Undertaken demonstrations on habitat and management works. (This is to provide knowledge of good practice to landowners as otters require clean rivers with an abundant, varied supply of food and plenty of bank-side vegetation offering seclusion. Riversides often lack the appropriate cover for otters to lie upon during the day.)
