
Known for their playful and cuddly manner, the sight of an otter can cheer up anyone’s day. Whilst many flock to otter hotspots to catch a glimpse of a wild otter, it’s important to remember that you must keep your distance and that they are, in fact, a protected species. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate these small but important creatures.
Here, we’ve put together a guide on how to find otters in the UK without affecting their habitat.
Where to Find Otters in the North of England
There are several places in the North to find otters, including Wreay Woods and Shibdon Pond, however, Hockenhull Platts (part of Cheshire Wildlife Trust) is a great place to start.
Hocknenhull Platts is a nature reserve that sits beside the River Gowy. It has easy trails and picturesque medieval bridges across the reserve. Spanning five hectares of land, there are many different species to spot including, birds, water voles and otters.
A public footpath runs throughout the centre of the reserve. However, the actual reserve is closed to the public to protect the species.
This nature reserve is a safe place for protected species to go and will hopefully help boost declining populations.
Are There Any Otters in Northern Ireland?
If you want to spot an otter whilst on a trip to Northern Ireland, you may want to visit the Glenarm Nature Reserve. The beautiful semi-natural woodland is a great place to see otters due to the presence of salmon and trout within the Glenarm River.
Part of Ulster Wildlife Trust, it is home to almost every mammal found in Northern Ireland, including pine marten, red squirrel, otter, badger and Irish hare, and seven out of the eight species of bats. This makes this particular nature reserve one of the best to see several protected species in one trip.
Please be aware that Glenarm is only accessible to Ulster Wildlife Trust members.
Is Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary Open to the Public?
Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Farm is open to the public. Known for rehabilitating injured and orphaned otter cubs, they help this important species become wild otters again (over twelve months). The best time to view otters at Dartmoor is during their feeding time.
At 11:30 am and 14:00, their keeper gives an informative tour around each of their enclosures where they discuss the importance of otters, and how their sanctuary helps the species all whilst being able to view these playful creatures enjoying their food!
Are There Otters in Wales?
Yes, there are a handful of places you can visit in Wales if you want to see Otters. This includes Magor Marsh. Part of the Gwent Wildlife Trust (Ymddiriedolaeth Natur), this 90-acre reserve is one of the last natural areas of fenland in Gwent.
Home to several species, including Kingfisher and Cetti Warblers, this wetland is a great place to watch the flocks of teals, shovelers and European otters in the Autumn.
Does Willington Wetlands have Otters?
Willington Wetlands Nature Reserve is home to the European otters as well as water voles, beavers and other animals. It’s due to the reintroduction of beavers in this area that has enabled the presence of European otters due to the waterways they have created.
As part of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, this nature reserve invites the public to enjoy the walking trails, however, please be aware that these animals are protected, and dogs must be kept on leads.
Protected Species
As mentioned, otters are a protected species which means that, under UK and European law, you could face legal repercussions if you accidentally harm them or their habitat.
If you suspect otters are on your land, you’ll need to contact a qualified ecologist to conduct an Otter Survey and to help move these vital creatures safely and without repercussion. If you suspect an otter is present near you, get in touch with us today.