Great places to see

OttersA guide to our best places to go otter spotting

Protecting Wildlife for the Future

OttersGreat places to see...

The return of the otter to waterways across the country is one of the UK’s modern conservation success stories. They were driven to near extinction in some areas between the 1950s and 1970s, but thanks to improvements in water quality and greater protection otters can once again be found across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and, as of 2011, every county in England.

Once thought of as shy, secretive and difficult to spot, the otter’s return to ancestral river territories and its recent population expansion has brought it closer to people. The odds of spotting one have never been better, with many otters taking up residence in urban centres and growing accustomed to the presence of people.

As with all mammals - a notoriously skittish bunch - the trick to otter spotting is patience, with a healthy dose of luck thrown in. Increase your chances by researching ideal otter habitat. Clean waterways, abundant prey stocks and vegetated banks are otter musts. Look for tell-tale tracks and signs, such as distinctive webbed toe prints in soft

riverbank mud, or spraint (droppings, often containing fish bones and scales) left at strategic points along an otter’s territory, such as beneath bridges. Its aroma has been likened to that of jasmine tea, but you may want to take our word for it.

Here we recommend Wildlife Trust sites where otters are known to have been spotted. For more information about the reserves listed here, or to find alternatives near you, visit wildlifetrusts.org.uk/yourlocaltrust

Before you go• Otters are highly sensitive - avoid disturbing them or

their habitat. The best time to see them is at dawn. Be still and patient, or walk quietly, and keep upwind.

• For information on disabled access and local public transport, check with the local Wildlife Trust.

• Wider public transport: Google maps and transportdirect.info

• National cycle routes: sustrans.org.uk

3 Smallbrook Meadows Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Here water weaves through wet woodland, wildflower meadows, marsh, ditches and ponds. Otters are seen fleetingly, especially in the early morning. Water voles can be found here too. Where is it? S edge of Warminster. Walk through boating park from Weymouth St or car park in Smallbrook Rd. Grid ref: ST 880 443

1 Cricklepit MillDevon Wildlife Trust

An urban site with easy access and regular otter sightings, often during the day. There’s also the chance to see birds such as kingfisher, little egret and dipper. There’s also an interpretation area where visitors can watch footage of otters visiting the Mill.Where is it? Exeter city centre. 15 mins on foot from bus station and 20 mins from train station. Grid ref: SX 919 922. Open weekdays except bank hols.

4 Aughton WoodsLancashire Wildlife Trust

Remote ancient woodland on the River Lune, which is a hotspot for otters. It’s full of coppiced trees, including small-leaved lime. Also look out for common sandpipers and oystercatchers from February onward.Where is it? 5 miles NE of Lancaster between Aughton and Caton. Car park at Crook ‘o Lune; public footpath along the river. Grid ref: SD 543 663

2 Essex NightwatchEssex Wildlife Trust

For the best chance of seeing an otter in Essex - and it’s a sighting with a difference - join a Trust-led Nightwatch, led by otter expert Darren Tansley. Infrared video cameras are used to observe wildlife at night - the time when rivers come to life. There have been some great sightings this way, including cubs.Where is it? See www.essexwt.org.uk for details of events.

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5 Gilfach FarmRadnorshire Wildlife Trust

Visitors often report seeing otters here. Last summer a family from Liverpool saw a female and two cubs walking along the nature trail in mid-afternoon! The best time to visit is Oct - Dec when otters come to the waterfalls to chase the leaping salmon.Where is it? Off A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig to St Harmon and Pantydwr. Turning marked by brown reserve sign. Grid ref: SN 965 717

7 Portrack MarshTees Valley Wildlife Trust

Take an early morning walk along the River Tees towards the reserve. Check the river and riverbank for otters which are regularly seen in and around the town. At the barrage, keep an eye out for common seal and kingfisher too. Where is it? Centre of Stockton on Tees. From A66 follow signs for Tees Barrage, over the roundabout, R into Whitewater Way. Follow the road to the Talpore. Grid ref: NZ 465 194

9 Falls of Clyde Scottish Wildlife Trust

The reserve stretches along both sides of the Clyde Gorge and offers spectacular views of waterfalls. While looking for otter here, also keep an eye out for peregrine, badger and bats, and learn more in the visitor centre. Where is it? 1 mile S of Lanark, signposted from all major routes. There’s a large visitor car park at New Lanark. Grid ref: NS 881 423

6 Winnall Moors Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

A stone’s throw from busy Winchester, otters pass daily through this wetland haven. Look for signs of these animals from the reserve’s many paths, boardwalks and bridges over the renowned River Itchen. Where is it? 3/4 mile walk from the train station, 1/2 mile from Winchester bus station, or use park and ride. Post code SO23 8DX. Grid ref: SU 490 306

8 Staveley Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

This site is great for otters - in 2012 it was home to a mother and cubs who were seen on several occassions. It’s also home to more than 230 plant species and a range of birds, including locally rare short-eared owl and jack snipe. Where is it? 2.5 miles SW of Broughbridge. YWT car park outside Staveley village on Minskip road. Surfaced paths to reserve. Grid ref: SE 365 634

10 Glenarm Nature Reserve Ulster Wildlife Trust

The winding Glenarm River flanks this beautiful semi-natural woodland and is the perfect spot to see otter hunting for salmon and trout in the sparkling waters below. Look out too for dipper, kingfisher and grey wagtail - and in the woods winter thrushes, common crossbill, siskin and red squirrel. Where is it? In the Glenarm Estate, Co. Antrim, off the B97 Ballymena road. Grid ref: D 304 111

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11 Magor MarshGwent Wildlife Trust

90 acres of the last relatively natural area of fenland on the Gwent Levels and GWT’s best reserve to see otters. Winter is a great time to look for signs of otters around the pond and along the reens. Also look out for birds such as snipe, teal and water rail. Where is it? 1 mile from Junction 23A of the M4: follow signs to Magor, then brown signs. Bus service 61 from Newport to reserve. Grid ref: ST 428 867

13 Westhay Moor Somerset Wildlife Trust

The Somerset Levels are an important site for otters. Covering more than 100 ha, Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve provides ideal habitat for them, with its mosaic of wetlands, lakes and reed beds alive with hidden wildfowl and fish. In particular look for them in the lakes off London Drove. Where is it? N of the village of Westhay. Car park just off the road to Godney, at the junction with Daggs Lane Drove. Grid ref: ST 456 437

15 Teifi Marshes - The Welsh Wildlife CentreWildlife Trust of South & West Wales

This wetland reserve sits on the banks of the Teifi river near Cligerran. A great place to see otters with a hide set in the perfect position to do so, as well as a visitor centre and nature trails. Other possible sightings include hen harrier, bittern and kingfisher.Where is it? Follow signs for The Welsh Wildlife Centre, clearly signposted from Cardigan. Grid ref: SN 184 455

12 Wolseley CentreStaffordshire Wildlife Trust

Otters have been caught on a special night vision camera at SWT’s Wolseley Centre HQ. A camera set up on the banks of a brook that runs into the River Trent recently captured numerous images of two otters, a female and pup, along with lots of other wildlife, including a kingfisher and wood mouse. Where is it? In Wolseley Bridge, on the A51 appox 2 miles NW of Rugeley. Postcode ST17 0WT. Grid ref: SK 024 202

14 The Knapp & Papermill Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Footprints and otter spraint have been regularly spotted along the back of the Leigh Brook that runs through this beautiful nature reserve not far from Great Malvern (although the animals haven’t)! Keen-eyed visitors could try looking in the area around Pivany Bridge in particular. Where is it? 7 miles W of Worcester at Alfrick, Malvern. Parking at lay-by on R before Bridge’s Stone bridge. Grid ref: SO 751 522

16 Balloo Wetland Ulster Wildlife Trust

This brand new wetland nature reserve in the industrial heart of Bangor is fast becoming a haven for wildlife. With its large ponds and meandering streams, otters are occasional visitors, with signs of activity being spotted throughout the year. In winter, the ponds also play host to a range of water-loving birds including teal, redshank, lapwing and snipe.Where is it? Innotec Drive, Bangor, BT19 7PG. Grid ref: J 505 792

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17 Loch of the LowesScottish Wildlife Trust

Famed for its breeding ospreys, the star attraction between Apr - Aug, the reserve is also a good place to look for otters all year round. It has a visitor centre and 98 ha of open water and woodland habitat, plus ranger-led walks, wildlife video footage and woodland bird viewing areas available. Where is it? 16 miles N of Perth, 2 miles NE of Dunkeld just off the A923. Post code PH8 0HH. Grid ref: NO 041 435

19 Lower Test Nature ReserveHants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

This patchwork of floodplain meadows, marshes and reedbeds host a great range of wildlife and has regular sightings of otters. With salt and freshwater and the natural progression from land to sea, all manner of birds and flowers thrive in this watery haven.Where is it? ¼ from Totton train station. Sat nav SO40 3BR to Salmon Leap pub. Grid ref: SU361 140

21 Portbury WharfAvon Wildlife Trust

Large pools close to the foreshore of the Severn Estuary and the other areas of open water in the reserve provide an invaluable wetland habitat for a variety of species. You may be lucky enough to spot otter, water vole, and even greater horseshoe bat hunting in the summer. Birds to look out for include barn owl, dunlin, curlew and oystercatcher.Where is it? 1 mile SE of Wells city centre. Grid ref: ST 565 456

18 Spey BayScottish Wildlife Trust

Spey Bay is the largest shingle beach in Scotland. Constant erosion and deposition by the river creates a range of habitats from bare shingle to reed beds, freshwater marsh and brackish saltmarsh. Visit for a chance to see coastal otters and marine mammals such as seals and dolphins.Where is it? 8 miles north-east of Elgin, at the end of the B9015 (Kingston) or the B9014 (Tugnet). Grid ref: NJ 325 657

20 BowesfieldTees Valley Wildlife Trust

This wetland reserve is formed by three loops in the River Tees, each with its own character and special wildlife. Look out for otters along the river, as well as birds such as stonechat, water rail, curlew and sand martin in the summer months. The reedbeds are also home to reed bunting and harvest mouse.Where is it? Below the new Bowesfield Farm Development, Stockton on Tees. Post code TS18 3NB. Grid ref: NZ 446 164

22 Ditchford Lakes and Meadows The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants

Part of the upper Nene valley floodplain, this complex of old gravel pits, grassland and scrub is very important for both breeding and wintering birds. Otters are frequent visitors to these lakes - look out for their distinctive footprints in the wet mud.Where is it? 3 miles from Wellingborough, Northants. Car park off Ditchford Road. Grid ref: SP 930 678

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23 Willington Gravel PitsDerbyshire Wildlife Trust

This former sand and gravel quarry provides a haven for wildlife in the Trent Valley. The flooded gravel pits form an important wetland habitat attracting many birds, including wildfowl, waders, peregrine and bittern. The site is attractive to otters and is also full of dragonflies in the summer.Where is it? Burton upon Trent, down an unmade lane (Meadow Lane) off the Repton road just before bridge over River Trent. Grid ref: SK 285 274

25 Doxey MarshesStaffordshire Wildlife Trust

Although well known as a great bird watching location, Doxey Marshes is also home to regionally significant populations of otter, which are regularly recorded on the reserve, as well as harvest mouse and water shrew. Look out for snipe, redshank and lapwing, plus bittern and the occassional rarity.Where is it? Centre of Stafford. On foot, walk to Sainsbury’s and follow the river aginast the flow for 10 mins. Grid ref: SJ 903 250

27 Ranworth BroadNorfolk Wildlife Trust

NWT Ranworth Broad is of national and international importance for wildlife. Situated in the middle stretches of the River Bure it forms part of the larger Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve. Otters are regularly recorded here, and there is also the chance to see large numbers of wildfowl in winter.Where is it? Car park in Ranworth Village, then 5 min walk to reserve entrance. Post code NR13 6HY. Grid ref: TF 992 103

24 Red HouseMontgomeryshire Wildlife Trust

With a wild wet woodland and wet riverine meadows, it’s little wonder that otters love to spend time here! The reed swamp, pool and wet woodland are also home to more than 150 wetland plants, including the largest single population of sweet flag, a scarce Montgomeryshire plant. Where is it? Between Garthmyl and Abermule, 250m from the Glanhafren Bridge. Grid ref: SO 170 968

26 Hockenhull PlattsCheshire Wildlife Trust

Within easy distance of Chester and Tarvin, Hockenhull Platts nature reserve sits beside the River Gowy and is a great place to enjoy a short stroll along the Mill Trail and over the quaint medieval bridges that traverse the reserve. Otters have been recorded along the banks of the river and it is hoped the newly created wetlands may also encourage these secretive river dwellers.Where is it? Platts Lane, Waverton, CH3 8LE. Grid ref: SJ 476 657

28 Barton Broad Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Barton Broad is the largest Broad in the Ant Valley. It is a man-made landscape impacted by natural processes - the open water is a result of flooded peat diggings. It is home to key species including bittern, marsh harrier, otter, fen orchid and Desmoulin’s whorl snail.Where is it? 2 miles N of Hoveton on the A1151 Hoveton to Stalham road. Disabled parking available at entrance to boardwalk. Grid ref: SU 315 009

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29 Shibdon PondDurham Wildlife Trust

One of the few large lowland, open water bodies between the Tyne and the Tees and particularly important due to its location on the urban fringe. Otters regularly use the reserve and it is also home to large cormorant and tern roosts. Look out for water rail, greenshank and sandpipers.Where is it? Parking available at Blaydon Swimming baths 1⁄4 mile southof the reserve. Grid ref: NZ 192 628

31 Wreay WoodsCumbria Wildlife Trust

The reserve follows the course of the River Petteril where a deep gorge has been cut through the land. Unmanaged river channels such as this, often containing large woody debris, are now a rarity in the county. They provide ideal otter habitat and there are occasional sightings of them here. Also look for grey wagtail, dipper and kingfisher. Where is it? Off A6, with car park. Footpath from village. Grid ref: NY 444 497

33 Lower Moor FarmWiltshire Wildlife Trust

Visitors here are often surprised by the diversity of habitats that belie its unassuming name. Head to Flagham Brook to find both otters and water voles among birds such as nightingale, tawny owl, woodpeckers, lapwing and snipe.Where is it? Close to Malmesbury and Cricklade, on the B4696. There is parking available at the visitors centre. Grid ref: SU 008 938

30 Nansmellyn MarshCornwall Nature Trust

This reserve consists of one of the few remaining untouched areas of reedbed in Cornwall. The common reed is found here, as well as numerous bird species including Cetti’s warbler. Otters can be found here, indicating a healthy aquatic ecosystem.Where is it? From the Perranzabuloe Sports Club car park, off the road to Goonhavern, just east of Perranporth. Grid ref: SW 762 541

32 Druridge Bay nature reservesNorthumberland Wildlife Trust

The Pools along Druridge Bay are the best places to spot otters in Northumberland. NWT manages five reserves along Druridge Bay: Cresswell Shore and Cresswell Pond, Druridge Pools, East Chevington and Hauxley. They are important sites for birds and other wildlife. All the sites have public access and all except Cresswell Shore have paths and hides.Where is it? Grid refs: NZ 275 963, NU 285 023, NZ 270 990 and NZ 283 944

34 Langford LakesWiltshire Wildlife Trust

With a stretch of the River Wylye, 3 lakes and a new wetland area, it is not surprising that visitors may spot otters here, as well as the elusive water vole. During summer months, the reserve is brimming with birds, dragonflies, insects and spectacular wetland wild flowers.Where is it? Just off A36 between Warminster and Wilton. In Steeple Langford, turn into Duck Street. Car park on L. Grid ref: SU 037 370

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