I have gone with a ‘gut’ instinct based on what I feel these otters might be interested in. This inspection is normally done when potential roosting features have been identified on the preliminary bat roost assessment from the ground. I just hope it approves and returns very soon! Otter Holt– for the purpose of this report the term holt relates to an enclosed chamber or chambers used by otters as a refuge, which were located within embankments, under boulders, tree roots or … https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences The BTO is an independent charity aimed at studying wildlife populations, particularly birds, to inform the public and policy decision-makers. This would then give us a solid base on which to build the chambers  and would provide a flood proof structure. They work to raise standards and advocate best practice, including the publication of Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines, which is an essential reference guide for professional ecologists working with bats. The principal aims of the Convention are to ensure the conservation and protection of all wild plant and animal species and their natural habitats (listed in Appendices I and II), to increase cooperation between contracting parties, and to afford special protection to the most vulnerable or threatened species (including migratory species). ( Log Out /  Schedule 8 lists plants (vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens and fungi) which are specially protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). The Wildlife and Countryside Act consolidates and amends existing national legislation to implement the requirements of the Bern Convention and the Birds Directive throughout Great Britain. Something had beaten me to it… and those looked like otter prints! In the end, you have to take on board all the information and advice you have been given and create something that suits your location and your individuals. The classification will decide whether bat activity surveys are required. Three Shires also provide small and large scale habitat creation services including pond, badger sett and otter holt construction, bat and bird box erection as well as wetland, grassland and woodland habitat creation and translocation. Ten factors, including location, pond area and water quality, are measured, scored and used to calculate an overall score between 0 and 1. I decided to build two chambers. ECoW are consultants who work with companies on site, helping them to follow wildlife legislation and providing advice on compliance with the environmental planning conditions. TPOs prohibit the cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting and wilful damage or destruction of trees, without the LPA’s written consent. The data collected in this survey is used to map an area under consideration based on the habitats present. How to build an otter holt. Atop boulders or rocks within, or closely adjacent to, a river. The Oxford English dictionary defines baselines as “a minimum or starting point used for comparisons”. These Holts are designed to provide optimal conditions for the mating Otter. Ed had done a wonderfully neat job of making all the pointing, of the blocks, neat and tidy. Section 74 of the Act lists those habitats and species of principal importance in England. Depending on the site and proximity to a watercourse, they may be totally covered with brash or buried to increase camouflage that helps to minimise disturbance. The interconnecting tube will have a rubber insert, to allow easy access up and down as the inside of the tube is smooth. Offsetting can aid developers in fulfilling their obligations under the planning system’s mitigation hierarchy. Schedule 9 lists all non-native species of plants and animals which are prohibited from release in England and Wales, under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It gives permission to disturb and capture a particular protected species (such as bats, great crested newts, tawny owls) for the purpose of survey or research and is given on the basis on the ecologist’s experience and knowledge of the species as well as character references. Natural England states that: “In accordance with the Habitats Regulations, all competent authorities, including Natural England, must undertake a formal assessment of the implications of any new plan or project which is capable of affecting the designated interest features of European Sites before deciding whether to undertake, permit or authorise such a plan or project”. This Act provides protection for wild mammals from acts of cruelty, primarily via preventing hunting wild mammals with dogs. If they do flood, the slope and the drainage should ensure that they empty quickly. Change ). For several weeks in summer, female bats gather in a maternity roost to have their babies. It gives general recommendations for tree work, including management options for established trees and overgrown hedges. With more than twenty years of experience of dealing with otters our fully licenced ecologists are uniquely placed for helping clients when otters are involved. > Celebrating the beauty of nature in the UK. The introduction of an artificial otter holt along a waterway may form part of such mitigation, which EcoNorth can plan and implement effectively. Despite intense historic persecution, habitat destruction and pollution, otters are now reported to inhabit every county in the UK! They are designated by statutory country nature conservation agencies (Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural Resources Wales) in order to protect the best examples of the UK's flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features. The UKBAP is the government’s response to the Convention on Biological Diversity. In the wild otters will use piles of various sizes from structures as large as 40m long, 10m wide and 4m high to small features of 5m x 3m x 4m. SACs are one of six designations contributing to our ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas. Once I was happy with the dimensions, we lay these in place, experimenting with the pipes to ensure we could get a corner entrance. I packed soil into the PVA as this will then set and create an earthy coating. FCE Wales excel in the construction field, working with both residential and commercial spaces. Call us. This space would be suitable for other species as well, I feel. The same cut notes appear in the B part. 1 HISTORICAL snoo Otter boards, or doors as they are frequently called, are devices to keep the trawl net horizontally open under tow. Our creative and individual designs are developed and crafted to the highest standards with a strong focus on quality workmanship and attention to detail. R & J FOSTER LTD (company# 11230724) is a company registered with Companies House, United Kingdom. The method statement provided in this licence application has been developed as a consequence of the requirement to destroy a known otter holt and two couches during the construction of the road scheme. The UKBAP Species prioritise species that have been identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action under the UKBAP. A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by a Local Planning Authority to protect trees and woodlands, in the interests of amenity (i.e. These would form the spaces for the two chambers. Ecology is a branch of biology (the study of life) which is concerned with the study of organisms (animals, plants, fungi and other living things) and how they interact with one another and their environment. There is no guarantee that a licence will be granted. One is a couple of metres above the general water level, allowing some rise before flood. The Oxford English dictionary defines a management plan as “a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something”. It is called ‘extended’ because the survey includes a search for protected species and signs. They aim to support the sustainable management of trees for, the benefit of Society, through our members and close collaboration with allied professions. Otter Construct Ltd. Holt Barn, Fosgrove Lane Poundisford Taunton,Somerset TA3 7AE. The cameras will be mounted down pipes (as in my badger sett) so they can be easily removed for maintenance and if the river rises! I have seen otters holt in badgers setts, holes at the bases of trees, in sheds, outbuildings and even under a pile of old pallets! The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 consolidates the existing legislation relating to the protection of badgers and makes it an office in England and Wales to wilfully kill, injure or take a badger (or attempt to do so) and affords protection to both the animals themselves and their setts. This will take a little time as the wiring infrastructure is now being installed and then the cameras will need to be set up. The Act places a statutory obligation on public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity through the exercise of their functions, thereby providing a statutory basis to the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) process. RBAPs set out priority species and habitats for conservation at a regional level. The second chamber is another metre higher. The extended phase 1 habitat survey, like the phase 1 habitat survey, classifies habitats using the JNCC standards. Building a holt on the fringes of a suitable water body or water course is a simple way of supporting otter population growth. I decided to build close to the existing old holt site. They are the only truly semi-aquatic members of the weasel family. We reinvest our profits back into local conservation. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Otter Contracting has continually focused on maintaining customer relations and building on our philosophy of working together with our clients to produce a competitive and effective package delivery, with a high quality approach.Our project diversity and commitment to quality has allowed us to exceed client needs and expectations. During the aerial inspection, the surveyor (who will have a bat licence) climbs the tree and use an endoscope (a device with a screen connected to a long tube with a camera at the end) to check the inside of the tree trunk for roosting bats. The Habitats Regulations make it an offence to pick, cut, uproot, collect, destroy or trade in those plants listed under Schedule 4. According to the Bat Conservation Trust, a roost is the place where a bat lives. While this may appear small, research has confirmed that female otters prefer a confined space in which to rear their young. Overlooking the River Otter and a short walk from the historic high street, Otters Holt is an exclusive collection of thirty-three 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes in Ottery St Mary. Corners and sharp edges to create a smoother interior intense historic persecution habitat! 2010 Three Shires installed over 80,000 metres of ecological fencing and the overseas territory Gibraltar! 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