Water Vole and Otter Surveys

Water voles Arvicola amphibius and otters Lutra lutra are key indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems and are protected under UK and European legislation. Any works affecting rivers, streams, ditches, ponds, or wetlands must consider their potential presence. At Wold Ecology, we provide detailed, compliant surveys that allow developments to progress responsibly while safeguarding these important semi-aquatic mammals.

How Water Vole & Otter Surveys Are Carried Out

Our survey methodology follows current CIEEM standards and species-specific best practice, ensuring accurate assessments and legally robust outcomes.

1. Desk Study & Habitat Assessment
We begin by reviewing records, aerial imagery, and local data to understand the ecological history of the site. A habitat walkover then assesses:

• Watercourses, banks, and riparian vegetation
• Shelter opportunities such as burrows, holts, and resting places
• Connectivity to wider wetland networks

This determines the potential for both species to use the area.

2. Water Vole Surveys
During targeted site visits (typically March–October), our ecologists search for characteristic signs, including:

• Burrows and lawned entrances
• Feeding stations and grazed vegetation
• Latrines and territorial markers
• Footprints and runways along the bank

We record population presence, distribution, and relative activity across the site.

3. Otter Surveys
Otter surveys require careful, unobtrusive examination of watercourses for:

• Spraint (faeces) used to mark territory
• Holts, couches, and resting sites
• Slides, footprints, and feeding remains
• Travel routes and habitat connectivity

These signs help identify how otters move through and use the landscape.

4. Advanced Monitoring (Where Required)
For complex or sensitive sites, we can employ:

• Camera traps
• Seasonal revisit programs

These methods provide a fuller understanding of long-term habitat use.

5. Reporting, Licensing & Advice
Our final report outlines all findings and provides clear, proportionate recommendations to ensure full legal compliance. Where necessary, we support Natural England licensing for activities that may affect otters or water voles.

Integrating Water Voles, Otters & Development

With appropriate mitigation and early planning, infrastructure and freshwater wildlife can coexist successfully. Wold Ecology offers practical, site-specific solutions to help deliver development that respects ecological integrity.

Common mitigation and integration measures include:

• Retaining and enhancing riverbanks, ditches, and riparian habitat
• Creating new wetland features such as backwaters, ponds, or vegetated margins
• Establishing buffer zones to protect burrows, holts, and resting sites
• Timing works to avoid sensitive breeding or dispersal periods
• Providing culverts or mammal ledges to allow safe passage beneath bridges and roads
• Maintaining habitat connectivity along the wider watercourse
• Using sensitive construction methods to minimise disturbance

Our aim is to ensure developments meet all legal obligations while contributing positively to freshwater biodiversity.