Otter & Water Vole Surveys

---

At Ecology Consulting, we offer expert ecological services throughout the UK to support planning applications and ensure legal compliance while protecting the natural environment.

Our specialist otter and water vole protected species surveys form a key part of our broader ecological services in the UK, and are of vital importance when getting planning permission for your projects.

By delivering a single combined survey, we help developers meet regulatory obligations efficiently, reduce delays, and promote responsible development. Whether your project involves residential construction, infrastructure, flood defence works or habitat restoration, our experienced team is ready to guide you through the process with clarity and professionalism.

The Importance of Protected Species Surveys

Both Eurasian otters and water voles are protected under UK wildlife law and are of significant ecological value. As such, development near aquatic or bankside habitats must consider the presence and protection of these species to proceed legally and responsibly.

Otters are a European Protected Species and receive strict protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Water voles are similarly protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

It is a criminal offence to:

• Deliberately kill, injure or disturb otters or water voles
• Destroy, damage, or obstruct access to their resting or breeding places (e.g. burrows or holts)
• Interfere with the animals while they occupy these habitats, including resting sites

Failure to carry out an appropriate ecological survey in the UK can lead to planning delays, enforcement action, and even prosecution. Therefore, early assessment is key to progressing your development safely and legally.

When Do You Need a Survey?

A combined otter and water vole survey is typically required if your site includes or lies near:

• Rivers, streams, ditches, canals
• Ponds, lakes, reedbeds, or reservoirs with natural bankside vegetation
• Earth embankments, drainage dykes, or other slow-flowing aquatic features
• Woodland or scrub habitats adjacent to watercourses
• Estuarine or coastal environments with freshwater connections

Even in urban or modified landscapes, otters and water voles can be present if conditions are suitable. Their signs may be subtle; spraints, latrines, footprints, feeding remains, or burrows/holts; and can be easily missed without a professional survey.

Planning authorities, Natural England, and environmental consultees frequently request such assessments, particularly if local records or habitat features suggest potential presence.

Our Survey Approach

At Ecology Consulting, we adopt a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to protected species surveys. Our services are designed to be efficient, regulatory-compliant, and tailored to your specific planning needs.

Desk-Based Assessment

The first step involves gathering existing ecological information relevant to the site, including:

• Local biological records and species data
• Mapping and aerial imagery to evaluate habitat quality and connectivity
• Identification of nearby waterbodies and known protected species locations

This scoping exercise helps us assess the likelihood of otter or water vole presence and determine whether a full field survey is necessary.

Field Survey

If suitable habitat is identified, our qualified ecologists conduct thorough field investigations to detect species presence. We look for:

• Otter Signs - Spraints (droppings used to mark territory), footprints, slides, holts, couches, and feeding remains
• Water Vole Signs - Latrines, feeding remains, burrows along banks, feeding stations, runs, and direct sightings

Surveys are most effective between April and October, when both species are most active and field signs are more readily visible. In some cases, we may also use motion-activated trail cameras to monitor nocturnal or elusive behaviour.

Additionally, all of our surveys are carried out in accordance with CIEEM guidelines and recognised national best practices.

Detailed Reporting for Planning Submission

Once the survey is complete, we will compile all of our findings into a professional report designed for submission to planning authorities. 

Each report includes:

• A summary of results, habitat assessment and survey methods
• Annotated maps showing evidence of activity and habitat features
• Interpretation of findings in relation to planning policy and wildlife legislation
• Advice on mitigation, licensing, and next steps
• Support with EPS (European Protected Species) licence applications, where required

Our clear, well-structured reports are trusted by clients, regulators, and planning officers alike for their clarity and rigour.

Tailored Mitigation and Licensing Support

If otters or water voles are found to be present, and your development has the potential to cause harm or disturbance, a mitigation strategy will be necessary. At Ecology Consulting, we design practical and cost-effective solutions that allow your project to move forward while ensuring full legal compliance.

Mitigation measures may include:

• Buffer zones to protect riparian habitat
• Habitat enhancement, such as artificial holts or managed banks
• Supervised vegetation clearance and habitat modification
• Seasonal restrictions on construction to avoid breeding or active periods
• Licence applications for works that may disturb protected species

Our team can also support long-term ecological monitoring, where this is required as part of a planning condition or mitigation licence.

Trusted by Developers Across the UK

We are proud to support a wide range of clients across the public and private sectors, including:

• Housing developers and planning consultants
• Infrastructure and utilities providers
• Agricultural and land management schemes
• Local authorities and conservation organisations

We understand the pressures of project deadlines, regulatory constraints, and stakeholder engagement. That’s why we provide fast, flexible, and professional ecological support from start to finish.

Why Choose Ecology Consulting?

Working with us comes with many benefits, such as our: 

• Qualified ecologists with extensive field experience and full CIEEM membership
• In-depth knowledge of protected species legislation and licensing procedures
• Proven record of delivering high-quality ecology surveys for planning UK projects
• Prompt scheduling and quick turnaround of reports
• Clear communication and ongoing client support at every stage

Our goal is to make ecological compliance straightforward and stress-free for our clients; so you can focus on progressing your project with confidence.

Book Your Survey Today

If your proposed development lies near water or features suitable for otters or water voles, don’t delay. Get in touch with us at Ecology Consulting to arrange a combined otter and water vole protected species survey as part of your wider ecological survey UK obligations today.

We’ll help you identify constraints early, avoid delays, and move through the planning process with expert support every step of the way.