Essex Biodiversity Project

A county wide survey looking for otter field signs at 250 survey points is undertaken each spring by a team of volunteers. The volunteers attend a training session to identify field signs and suitable places in which to search. The data collected is shared with County Recorders and appropriate national bodies.

Otter Survey 2003 (PDF 707 KB)

Otter Survey 2004 (PDF 1896 KB)

Otter Survey 2005 (PDF 1937 KB)

Otter Survey 2007 (PDF 1 MB)

Otter Survey 2008 (PDF 1.25 MB)

Five artificial log pile otter holts have been built by the Essex Biodiversity Project at appropriate sites across the county. In addition, other projects and organisations have installed log pile holts.

A page of photos showing the construction of an artificial otter holt can be seen by clicking on the link here (PDF 2.78 MB)

We can provide guidance and practical assistance with siting and construction of otter holts. Please contact Mark Iley

Essex Biodiversity Project supports clearance work by contractors and volunteer groups to remove this alien, invasive aquatic plant.

Pennywort forms dense mats that float on surface of streams and ponds. It is a problem because it uses up the available oxygen in the water, which in turn kills fish and invertebrates; it crowds out the native plants and chokes up drainage systems.