This record is for Approval for Access product AfA224. Four national otter surveys have been completed for England in 1977-79, 1984-86, 1991-94 and 2000-02. The fifth national otter survey of England completed in 2009-10 is the first to attempt full coverage of the country.
Two field survey techniques are used – full surveys for sites investigated in previous national surveys and spot-checks for all the alternate 50km squares not covered in previous surveys.
Droppings (spraints) and footprints are the positive signs. Spot checks are made for up to 10 locations within the survey square.
The presence of mink is also recorded but this is only included as part of the more detailed otter survey. Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. All rights reserved.