descriptions of habitat surveyed and any limitations to the survey, such as access.details of any information gathered from Local Record Centres or other sources.If a development proposal has needed an otter survey, a survey report must be submitted as part of the planning application. Unless it is clearly evident that there has been no substantive change in number, distribution or activity of otters since the original survey was undertaken. Pre-application otter surveys normally remain valid for two years, and should be repeated if the application is delayed beyond that. The survey information needs to be sufficiently up-to-date when a planning application is submitted. Heavy frost or recent snow can also make finding spraints difficult. Otter surveys can be carried out at any time of year, but should avoid periods following prolonged heavy rainfall and/or high water when spraints and other signs of otter may have been washed away. These intrusive methods can cause disturbance and will require a survey licence from NatureScot (contact: They should only be used where confirming the status of a holt is essential in designing appropriate mitigation, or where damage or disturbance of a holt cannot be avoided. Trail cameras and/or endoscopy can help to check whether holts are in use and if breeding is taking place. All suitable otter habitat within 200m of the proposed works should be surveyed, including a systematic search for spraints, paw prints, otter paths, slides, food remains, holts and places used for shelter. Surveys should be done by persons with the appropriate knowledge of otter ecology and practical experience of otter survey work. See also the Atlas of the Mammals of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (The Mammal Society/Pelagic Publishing 2020).Īn otter survey should be carried out for any proposal within 200m of suitable habitat Carrying out an otter survey Otters could be affected by a development proposal anywhere in Scotland close to a water course, wetland, coastline or estuary. The advice below will help ensure that impacts on otters are minimised and no offences occur. This means that if otters could be affected in these ways by a development, and no action is taken to prevent it, an offence may be committed.
to damage or destroy an otter breeding site or resting place.obstruct access to an otter breeding site or resting place, or otherwise prevent their use.Īnd whether or not deliberate or reckless:.disturb an otter whilst it is occupying a holt (underground den) or other place it uses for shelter or protection, or while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young, or in any way that impairs its ability to survive or breed, or significantly affects the local distribution or abundance of otters.kill, injure, capture or harass an otter.It is therefore an offence to deliberately or recklessly:
Otters are classed as EPS under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). There is no change to the protection of European Protected Species (EPS) as a result of EU Exit. Find out more on EU Exit information. It is important that any licensing issues are considered as part of a planning application to avoid any unnecessary delay to a development proceeding. Where impacts on a protected species cannot be avoided, certain activities may only be undertaken with a licence from NatureScot. Scottish Planning Policy requires that the presence (or potential presence) of legally protected species is factored into the planning and design of development proposals, and that any impacts on protected species are fully considered prior to the determination of planning applications. Consideration of protected species in development management We will only provide further advice in exceptional circumstances that are not covered by this standing advice. It avoids the need for us to advise on individual planning consultations in relation to otters.
This is standing advice to help planning applicants seeking permission for development that could affect otters, and to assist planning officers and other regulators in their assessment of these applications.
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