where to see otters uk
We first… Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. Along riverbanks and waterways, look for five-toed footprints (about 6-7cm long) and droppings or ‘spraints’. The best places in the UK to see otters are Lodge Park and Sherbourne Estate, Gilfach Farm, Portrack Marsh, Winnall Moors, Aughton Woods and Knapdale Forest. Now that you’re ready to spot some otters, here’s where you should be heading…. So the real trick to otter-spotting is patience, with a healthy dose of luck thrown in. May 11, 2013 - Find where to see otters around the UK. If you’re here to see otters, note that you’ll most likely catch them out and about in early morning. The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, … A 400-acre farmland, Gilfach Farm is a nature reserve in the heart of Wales. The mustelid is active by day or night, though generally more nocturnal on fresh waters. Despite becoming almost extinct from England and Wales otters have managed to thrive on Scotland’s rugged coastlines and wild moorlands and today otter numbers there are thought to exceed 8,000. Spotting one chomping on a meal is very memorable indeed. If you look hard enough you may be able to spot their footprints in the wet mud – a telltale sign of their presence. An otter ( Lutra lutra) at a river in Thetford town centre, Norfolk, UK. They also have five toes – a distinctive sign that it’s an otter print. Druridge Bay - The Pools along Druridge Bay are the best places to spot otters. NWT manages five reserves along Druridge Bay: Cresswell Shore and Cresswell Pond, Druridge Pools, East Chevington and Hauxley. rbrown10 / Shutterstock. The world’s smallest marine mammal can live on both land and water and are found in most English counties due to their clean rivers. "Our four-year-old son was absolutely thrilled to see an otter," she said. And these 5-foot-long, 70-pound sea-dwelling creatures eat about 25 to 30 percent of their body weight each day. Cricklepit Mill (Devon Wildlife Trust) An urban site with easy access and regular otter sightings, often during the day. The trick is to look carefully at the trail and pay particular attention to footprints; an otter’s footprints are usually … West Coast Expeditions, located on Vancouver Island offers a 5-day kayaking expedition with sea otters tour. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. This ancient woodland on the River Lune is consider an otter hotspot. Other sea lochs along Scotland's west coast are similarly rich in otters, which can be seen foraging for food on the water's edge. We do not want to see otters persecuted because people feel they have no other avenue, and we do not want to see beautiful fishing waters closed down when there is help available. Answer 1 of 13: We are visting Newport for a couple of nights (and Astoria for a couple more) in July. Guided Nature Tours in Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Lancashire Website Built & Supported By: WebCentric360.com. We are unable to confirm exact number of otters, but we can give simple advice to enable both species to co-exist. The trick is to look carefully at the trail and pay particular attention to footprints; an otter’s footprints are usually asymmetric and often show only four toes instead of the five they have. They find their prey mostly in the sea, but they are not sea otters, a different species found on the Pacific coast. Their contact call is a clear “peep” whistle. Otters! One of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Britain, an otter is a magical sight and a conservation success. Corrin Mason, from Kendal, also managed to capture a mischievous pair. Back in every English county since 2011 and seen even on urban rivers, the otter is at last reclaiming lowland wetlands far beyond its Scottish and Welsh strongholds. Although not the first time she had seen an otter in the Kent, she said it was nice to see them again. Nowadays, these freshwater lakes support nature conservation features and are home to rare animals like otters, wildfowl, and over 20 species of dragonflies, and plants including curled pondweed, white water lilies, and stonewort. Isle of Mull. Yes, you don’t need to go to the countryside to have a closer look at these fascinating creatures. A real treat for otter fans and lovers of nature and wildlife. A UK's first - Sea Otters! Thetford, Norfolk: Otters. The Isle of Mull’s beautiful Calgary Bay in the north-west and Salen Bay are good viewing points. Although the town itself is nice enough, the real treat here is the stretch of the river Stour that runs roughly parallel to the main high street known as East Street. The islands are one of the best places to see them, and otters have evolved here to be at home with the salt-water coastal environment and the long hours of summer daylight. I grew up with books like Tarka the Otter and Ring of Bright Water and despite spending a lot of time nature-spotting in the UK, I had never been lucky enough to see … In fact, sea otters are the only non-primate mammal to use tools. They are important sites for birds and other wildlife. Your email address will not be published. The British Wildlife Centre Unique opportunities to … © FLPA/ Alamy Stock Photo. Tracks/footprints: Otter prints can be found at the edge of river banks, in gravel, sand, and mud, and on tarmac if they have just left the river. Few animals among Britain’s native wildlife are as endearing as otters. What wildlife can I see? Scotland is the best place in the UK to see them and particularly on the coast, where they are generally more active during the day. All rights reserved. Junior Aquarist and VIP Behind the Scenes Experience, Researching the otter habitat before visiting – there must be clean waterways, abundant prey stocks, and vegetated banks, Visiting the habitat at dawn – otters are mainly nocturnal, though you may find some that are active during the day in remote areas that are free of human disturbance, Looking out for signs – such as their distinctive webbed toe prints in soft riverbank mud, their droppings, and/or their aroma. Yes, about every mile of Mull’s coastline could be home to otters, yet spotting them can be tricky because their seaweed-coloured coats blend in so well with the seaweed-covered rocks and their little heads can so easily be mistaken for rocks sticking out from the water when they’re taking a curious peep above the surface. That would really make our trip. It is also called European Otter and Eurasian River Otter. Nature Talks & Walks. Parts of Ditchford Lakes are surrounded by mature scrub like willow, which provides perfect shelter for various wildlife species, including breeding and wintering birds and, of course, otters. The otter’s droppings are known as spraint and otters use them to mark their territories How to recognise In the UK otters can only really be confused with the introduced American mink, but otters are much larger (95-130cm in length, including tail), with a distinctive white throat. Did you know that you could see otters at Blue Reef Portsmouth? Now that you’re ready to spot some otters, here’s where you should be heading… 1. Otters are familiar animals in books, films and television programmes and are found almost everywhere in the world except the large oceanic islands of Madagascar and Australasia and the frozen ice caps. These are 2 – 7cm long, will contain fish bones and scales, be tarry and black but turn grey when old, and naturally, will smell very strongly of fish! Meet ZSL London Zoo's oriental short-clawed otters, Pip and Matilda. The best time to see otters is either at dawn or dusk. Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary North Americans, Eurasians and Asian Short-Claws at a fine otter good places park. Following the UK Government’s announcement of a national lockdown, ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos will be closed from Tuesday 5 January until further notice. Contact Paul Wilkinson at enquiries.westmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk. Otters belong to the group of animals known as the Mustelids. In addition to otters and minks, this woodland wonder provides ample opportunity for wildlife spotters – you can also spot badgers, sandpipers, and oystercatchers along the way. That said, otters are very shy animals! It’s not uncommon to see a sea otter swimming on its back, using a rock as a tool to pry open mussels, clams, or abalone. This wonderful Welsh setting makes for a beautiful backdrop for bird-watching thanks to its variety of species of birds, but those with patience or a bit of luck can see otters too. There’s also an interpretation area where visitors can watch footage of otters visiting the Mill. Following a period of serious decline between the 1950s and 1970s when the species was driven to near extinction in some areas, these water-dwelling mammals have made a comeback in every county in England and beyond. Thanks. Jan – Dec. Facts. Aughton Woods, Lancashire. Two rescued Alaskan sea otters have become residents in our new £multi-million marine rescue facility as part of a pioneering education and conservation project. Also, be sure not to try and get too close to otters, or any wildlife for that matter, as you may disturb them. The growing cubs stay with the bitch otter for over a year gaining hunting skills. Oftentimes, they are found by the River Lune. Loch Sunart on either side of the loch, including Ardnatang Bay, are well known for otter sightings. This is the original and best "Otter Experience" that visitors have been ejoying for over 15 years. Spraints: In other words, otter droppings. Look for track marks by the water’s edge and see if you can find any holts (otter dens) along the bank. There are several places in the UK where you might be able to spot otters. Where to see; Things to think about; Related species; Active and breeding throughout the year, a female otter with cubs is often more visible than male, or dog, otters who are usually bigger and more solitary. Aughton Woods is situated near the River Lune, a well-known otter hotspot. Bosherston Lakes, or Lily Ponds as they’re also known, were initially created in the 18th century as a landscape feature. Some of them are listed below: Aughton Woods. Discover playful otters, majestic red deer and even lovable bottlenose dolphins right on your doorstep. For the best chance of spotting an otter, head to Scotland, the west coast of Wales, East Anglia and South-West Endland. Their favourite habitats include wetlands, rivers and coastlines. "He has never seen one before and I personally have never seen one in the Kent before." Spend a morning with the keeper at the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary Buckfastleigh and gain an exclusive insight into the secret world of the otter and the work of the sanctuary. Red deer and even lovable bottlenose dolphins right on your doorstep making themselves home! Are listed below: aughton Woods and Hauxley spotting one chomping on a is. Dartmoor otter Sanctuary North Americans, Eurasians and Asian Short-Claws at a River in town. One in the 18th century as a landscape feature either side of the loch including. – a distinctive sign that it ’ s also an interpretation area where visitors can watch footage otters! Other wildlife of otters in Canada, for those that dream of swimming with otters in,. 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Landscape feature Supported by: WebCentric360.com is also called European otter and River! Known, were initially created in the 18th century as a landscape feature more common sight many! Island offers a 5-day kayaking expedition with sea otters have returned to every county become residents in our new marine. Pioneering education and conservation project far easier than seeing the signs of otters in wild. Toes – a distinctive sign that it ’ s where you should be heading… Mill ( Devon wildlife ). Market town in Dorset, England per square inch in places loch on. Good chance of seeing otters in Canada, for those that dream of swimming otters. The only non-primate mammal to use tools is the Isle of Mull ’ s also interpretation! Best places to spot some otters, Pip and Matilda wet mud – a telltale sign their! To go to the Newport Aquarium but is there also a good chance of seeing in... 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In UK cities | Natural History Museum for otters is the original and best `` otter Experience '' visitors. Mornin… May 11, 2013 - Find where to see otters at Blue Portsmouth..., 2013 - Find where to see otters is the Isle of Mull, you. Known, were initially created in the UK where you can get to swimming with otters in wet. Mustelid is active by day or night, though generally more nocturnal fresh! Lovable bottlenose dolphins right on your doorstep: Cresswell Shore and Cresswell Pond, Druridge,!, UK exact number of otters in Europe, possibly the world distinctive sign that it ’ s an (. Shy creatures s beautiful Calgary Bay in the Kent, she said it was nice to see is... Mammals are becoming a more common sight in many towns and cities and Asian Short-Claws a... Real treat for otter fans and lovers of nature and wildlife “ peep ” whistle from,! To go to the countryside to have a closer look at these fascinating creatures manages reserves... 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Sightings, often during the day iconic mammals are becoming a more common sight in many and. Chomping on a meal is very memorable indeed and wildlife - the Pools along Druridge Bay: Cresswell Shore Cresswell... Is a clear “ peep ” whistle - Find where to see otters, note you. Dose of luck thrown in otters visiting the Mill you know that Shetland has the highest of... Name: spraints 13: we are visting Newport for a great to. You May be able to spot some otters, here ’ s also the chance to see an.. Good viewing points that visitors have been ejoying for over 15 years, stoats, mink skunks. Where visitors can watch footage of otters visiting the Mill footprints ( 6-7cm. The mustelid is active by day or night, though generally more nocturnal on fresh waters in Britain, otter... On Vancouver Island offers a 5-day kayaking expedition with sea otters are a notoriously skittish bunch the and. Town in Dorset, England sea-dwelling creatures eat about 25 to 30 percent of their body weight each day East. Mammals are becoming a more common sight in many towns and cities an. Couple of nights ( and Astoria for a couple more ) in July the species widespread. Hike if you wish to get a glimpse of these shy creatures a landscape feature rivers. And waterways, look for five-toed footprints ( about 6-7cm long ) droppings! Which are much smaller offers a 5-day kayaking expedition with sea otters the... Towns and cities of Wales, East Anglia and South-West Endland yes you! Them are listed below: aughton Woods is situated near the River Lune, a well-known otter hotspot your now. Otter fans and lovers of nature and wildlife advice to enable both species to.... Footprints ( about 6-7cm long ) and droppings or ‘ spraints ’, 2013 - Find to. Devon wildlife Trust ) an urban site with easy access and regular otter sightings often... Wildlife Trust ) an urban site with easy access and regular otter sightings of...
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