Otter spotting

[fransouthgate]

Hi All,

For those of you who are out there rummaging in the wetland wilds of Sussex on a regular basis I would really appreciate your help in keeping an eye out for the return of the ever elusive otter. We are aware that it is making a comeback and although numbers are still incredibly low, there are increasing numbers of sightings across an ever expanding geographical range. Areas of particular interest are catchments adjacent to Hampshire (W Rother and Arun and Chichester Harbour), the Medway and far East of Sussex (Brede, Rye, E Rother, Tillingham).

I have a list of sites (attached excel spreadsheet) which have been identified as easy to survey sites on main roads. If anyone would be able to adopt one of these sites it would be greatly appreciated. Just let me know your email address and I will add you to the list. You can send in any survey results either to me or to the SxBRC via their Recorder spreadsheet available from their website. Please report negative sightings as well as positive ones as it is almost more important for us to know where otters are not found than it is to know where they are.

If you survey some of the better and more remote wetland or river sites on a regular basis and know of a good spot which might be used by otters as a territorial marker then let me know the grid reference and I will add it to my list of survey sites. I am sure there are many better survey sites than the ones listed, and would value your feedback as to where these sites are.

<<Adastra spreadsheet.xls>>
If you feel you need a little more practice then we will be running an otter survey training day on October 6th (£10 a head just to cover expenses, but free to non-professional volunteers)

OR you can also find information on otter and mink signs at http://www.sussexotters.org/wildlife/otters3.htm

Thanks for all your help

Fran

Fran Southgate
Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership
Sussex Wildlife Trust
Henfield
W Sussex
BN5 9SD
01273 497555
07769 886696
www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Otters and Rivers Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water, Southern Water Services and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

---

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone [phone]

[Richard Price-4]

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Dear Fran,

 

I think that I may have seen an otter sign yesterday lunchtime walking along the banks of the Ouse near the Police Headquarters at Lewes. I remember seeing a photograph of something similar in a book but have forgotten what it was called. The books photo showed footsteps from a river with a strange fan shape indentation in the mud and then footsteps back into the river. The mud on the bank of the Ouse where I saw the same type of sign was wet and the tracks were not good enough to take a cast of if I had had some plaster of paris on me. However, the sign was exactly the same, I must dig the book out. What do you think? Do mink also catch fish and drag them onto soft mud to kill? I wish I had had a camera with me. Can records be raised from such a sign?

 

I would like to attend your training day.

 

All the best,

Richard Price.

0787 345 6001

 

 

 

From: adastra-bounces@... [mailto:adastra-bounces@...] On Behalf Of fransouthgate@...
Sent: 03 April 2009 14:26
To: adastra@...
Subject: [Adastra] Otter spotting

 

 

Hi All,

For those of you who are out there rummaging in the wetland wilds of Sussex on a regular basis I would really appreciate your help in keeping an eye out for the return of the ever elusive otter. We are aware that it is making a comeback and although numbers are still incredibly low, there are increasing numbers of sightings across an ever expanding geographical range. Areas of particular interest are catchments adjacent to Hampshire (W Rother and Arun and Chichester Harbour), the Medway and far East of Sussex (Brede, Rye, E Rother, Tillingham).

I have a list of sites (attached excel spreadsheet) which have been identified as easy to survey sites on main roads. If anyone would be able to adopt one of these sites it would be greatly appreciated. Just let me know your email address and I will add you to the list. You can send in any survey results either to me or to the SxBRC via their Recorder spreadsheet available from their website. Please report negative sightings as well as positive ones as it is almost more important for us to know where otters are not found than it is to know where they are.

If you survey some of the better and more remote wetland or river sites on a regular basis and know of a good spot which might be used by otters as a territorial marker then let me know the grid reference and I will add it to my list of survey sites. I am sure there are many better survey sites than the ones listed, and would value your feedback as to where these sites are.

<<Adastra spreadsheet.xls>>
If you feel you need a little more practice then we will be running an otter survey training day on October 6th (£10 a head just to cover expenses, but free to non-professional volunteers)

OR you can also find information on otter and mink signs at http://www.sussexotters.org/wildlife/otters3.htm

Thanks for all your help

Fran

 

Fran Southgate
Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership
Sussex Wildlife Trust
Henfield
W Sussex
BN5 9SD
01273 497555
07769 886696
www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Otters and Rivers Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water, Southern Water Services and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

---

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone [phone]

[Robin Pepper]

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Dear Fran,

 

I had a look at Holman's Bridge yesterday for signs of otters (negative) and will keep an eye on this site in the future. 

 

Robin

----- Original Message -----

From: fransouthgate@...

To: adastra@...

Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 2:25 PM

Subject: [Adastra] Otter spotting

Hi All,

For those of you who are out there rummaging in the wetland wilds of Sussex on a regular basis I would really appreciate your help in keeping an eye out for the return of the ever elusive otter. We are aware that it is making a comeback and although numbers are still incredibly low, there are increasing numbers of sightings across an ever expanding geographical range. Areas of particular interest are catchments adjacent to Hampshire (W Rother and Arun and Chichester Harbour), the Medway and far East of Sussex (Brede, Rye, E Rother, Tillingham).

I have a list of sites (attached excel spreadsheet) which have been identified as easy to survey sites on main roads. If anyone would be able to adopt one of these sites it would be greatly appreciated. Just let me know your email address and I will add you to the list. You can send in any survey results either to me or to the SxBRC via their Recorder spreadsheet available from their website. Please report negative sightings as well as positive ones as it is almost more important for us to know where otters are not found than it is to know where they are.

If you survey some of the better and more remote wetland or river sites on a regular basis and know of a good spot which might be used by otters as a territorial marker then let me know the grid reference and I will add it to my list of survey sites. I am sure there are many better survey sites than the ones listed, and would value your feedback as to where these sites are.

<<Adastra spreadsheet.xls>>
If you feel you need a little more practice then we will be running an otter survey training day on October 6th (£10 a head just to cover expenses, but free to non-professional volunteers)

OR you can also find information on otter and mink signs at http://www.sussexotters.org/wildlife/otters3.htm

Thanks for all your help

Fran

Fran Southgate
Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership
Sussex Wildlife Trust
Henfield
W Sussex
BN5 9SD
01273 497555
07769 886696
www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Otters and Rivers Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water, Southern Water Services and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

---

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone [phone]

[Patrick Roper]

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Fran,

 

Happy to do a modest number of sites around Sedlescombe in the Brede/Line/Tillingham Valleys.  Do you have Dave Monk on your list?  He is an excellent field worker and lives in my village.

 

All the best,

 

Patrick

 

From: adastra-bounces@... [mailto:adastra-bounces@...] On Behalf Of fransouthgate@...
Sent: 03 April 2009 14:26
To: adastra@...
Subject: [Adastra] Otter spotting

 

 

Hi All,

For those of you who are out there rummaging in the wetland wilds of Sussex on a regular basis I would really appreciate your help in keeping an eye out for the return of the ever elusive otter. We are aware that it is making a comeback and although numbers are still incredibly low, there are increasing numbers of sightings across an ever expanding geographical range. Areas of particular interest are catchments adjacent to Hampshire (W Rother and Arun and Chichester Harbour), the Medway and far East of Sussex (Brede, Rye, E Rother, Tillingham).

I have a list of sites (attached excel spreadsheet) which have been identified as easy to survey sites on main roads. If anyone would be able to adopt one of these sites it would be greatly appreciated. Just let me know your email address and I will add you to the list. You can send in any survey results either to me or to the SxBRC via their Recorder spreadsheet available from their website. Please report negative sightings as well as positive ones as it is almost more important for us to know where otters are not found than it is to know where they are.

If you survey some of the better and more remote wetland or river sites on a regular basis and know of a good spot which might be used by otters as a territorial marker then let me know the grid reference and I will add it to my list of survey sites. I am sure there are many better survey sites than the ones listed, and would value your feedback as to where these sites are.

<<Adastra spreadsheet.xls>>
If you feel you need a little more practice then we will be running an otter survey training day on October 6th (£10 a head just to cover expenses, but free to non-professional volunteers)

OR you can also find information on otter and mink signs at http://www.sussexotters.org/wildlife/otters3.htm

Thanks for all your help

Fran

 

Fran Southgate
Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership
Sussex Wildlife Trust
Henfield
W Sussex
BN5 9SD
01273 497555
07769 886696
www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Otters and Rivers Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water, Southern Water Services and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

---

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone [phone]

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[terence oliver]

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Fran

 

Very good course last week. Especially valuable watching you looking for signs out on the Reserve.

 

I noticed you have now marked  Lindfield Bridge and East Mascalls Bridge and path on your spread sheet.  I would like to suggest one more – the foot bridge near Fullingmill Farm GR348268.  The footpath is closed at present until the bridge is replaced but it is the one point of public access on 3km of the Ouse between Lower Ryelands Bridge and Lindfield Bridge.

 

Upstream and downsteam access from Lindfield Bridge and downstream access  from East Mascall Bridge is controlled by Haywards Heath and District Angling Society.  I can contact them specifically about informal access to these points.  I suggest, first, however, you look at their web-site: http://www.hhdas.com/rivers.htm and http://www.hhdas.com/stillwaters.htm.  They have large stretches of the Ouse between Lindfield and Gold Bridge on the 272 east of Newick as well as Balcombe Lake and it might be worth your while trying to get some general permission for your project.  Let me know what you think.  I am quite happy to contact them directly.

 

Some other sites I could visit whilst on SWT “business”:

 

·         Newbridge on the Medway whilst travelling back from Old Lodge Reserve

·         Cackle Street on return from Eridge Rocks or Brickfield Reserves

·         Broadwater Bridge (Medway) on return from Eridge Rocks.  (Alternatively, now the RSPB own Broadwater Warren they may be very happy to look for otter signs.  Alice has contacts.)

·         Combe Haven. The Filsham Reedbed Reserve is on the flood plain and has a boundary with the river.  We could look for signs but it would have to be whilst “working” on the Reserve.

 

Kind regards

 

Terry

 

 

 

From: adastra-bounces@... [mailto:adastra-bounces@...] On Behalf Of fransouthgate@...
Sent: 03 April 2009 14:26
To: adastra@...
Subject: [Adastra] Otter spotting

 

 

Hi All,

For those of you who are out there rummaging in the wetland wilds of Sussex on a regular basis I would really appreciate your help in keeping an eye out for the return of the ever elusive otter. We are aware that it is making a comeback and although numbers are still incredibly low, there are increasing numbers of sightings across an ever expanding geographical range. Areas of particular interest are catchments adjacent to Hampshire (W Rother and Arun and Chichester Harbour), the Medway and far East of Sussex (Brede, Rye, E Rother, Tillingham).

I have a list of sites (attached excel spreadsheet) which have been identified as easy to survey sites on main roads. If anyone would be able to adopt one of these sites it would be greatly appreciated. Just let me know your email address and I will add you to the list. You can send in any survey results either to me or to the SxBRC via their Recorder spreadsheet available from their website. Please report negative sightings as well as positive ones as it is almost more important for us to know where otters are not found than it is to know where they are.

If you survey some of the better and more remote wetland or river sites on a regular basis and know of a good spot which might be used by otters as a territorial marker then let me know the grid reference and I will add it to my list of survey sites. I am sure there are many better survey sites than the ones listed, and would value your feedback as to where these sites are.

<<Adastra spreadsheet.xls>>
If you feel you need a little more practice then we will be running an otter survey training day on October 6th (£10 a head just to cover expenses, but free to non-professional volunteers)

OR you can also find information on otter and mink signs at http://www.sussexotters.org/wildlife/otters3.htm

Thanks for all your help

Fran

 

Fran Southgate
Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership
Sussex Wildlife Trust
Henfield
W Sussex
BN5 9SD
01273 497555
07769 886696
www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Otters and Rivers Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water, Southern Water Services and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

---

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone [phone]

[ian and della]

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Hi Terry and Fran,

It would be interesting to know whats going on with otters in Combe haven as there hasn't been any signs of them for several years now after a little batch of sightings, one lone wanderer I beleive, but any news would be welcome.

Cheers

Ian Standivan

-----Original Message-----
From: adastra-bounces@... [mailto:adastra-bounces@...]On Behalf Of terence oliver
Sent: 11 October 2009 17:09
To: 'Adastra discussion group'
Subject: Re: [Adastra] Otter spotting

Fran

 

Very good course last week. Especially valuable watching you looking for signs out on the Reserve.

 

I noticed you have now marked  Lindfield Bridge and East Mascalls Bridge and path on your spread sheet.  I would like to suggest one more – the foot bridge near Fullingmill Farm GR348268.  The footpath is closed at present until the bridge is replaced but it is the one point of public access on 3km of the Ouse between Lower Ryelands Bridge and Lindfield Bridge.

 

Upstream and downsteam access from Lindfield Bridge and downstream access  from East Mascall Bridge is controlled by Haywards Heath and District Angling Society.  I can contact them specifically about informal access to these points.  I suggest, first, however, you look at their web-site: http://www.hhdas.com/rivers.htm and http://www.hhdas.com/stillwaters.htm.  They have large stretches of the Ouse between Lindfield and Gold Bridge on the 272 east of Newick as well as Balcombe Lake and it might be worth your while trying to get some general permission for your project.  Let me know what you think.  I am quite happy to contact them directly.

 

Some other sites I could visit whilst on SWT “business”:

 

·         Newbridge on the Medway whilst travelling back from Old Lodge Reserve

·         Cackle Street on return from Eridge Rocks or Brickfield Reserves

·         Broadwater Bridge (Medway) on return from Eridge Rocks.  (Alternatively, now the RSPB own Broadwater Warren they may be very happy to look for otter signs.  Alice has contacts.)

·         Combe Haven. The Filsham Reedbed Reserve is on the flood plain and has a boundary with the river.  We could look for signs but it would have to be whilst “working” on the Reserve.

 

Kind regards

 

Terry

 

 

 

From: adastra-bounces@... [mailto:adastra-bounces@...] On Behalf Of fransouthgate@...
Sent: 03 April 2009 14:26
To: adastra@...
Subject: [Adastra] Otter spotting

 

 

Hi All,

For those of you who are out there rummaging in the wetland wilds of Sussex on a regular basis I would really appreciate your help in keeping an eye out for the return of the ever elusive otter. We are aware that it is making a comeback and although numbers are still incredibly low, there are increasing numbers of sightings across an ever expanding geographical range. Areas of particular interest are catchments adjacent to Hampshire (W Rother and Arun and Chichester Harbour), the Medway and far East of Sussex (Brede, Rye, E Rother, Tillingham).

I have a list of sites (attached excel spreadsheet) which have been identified as easy to survey sites on main roads. If anyone would be able to adopt one of these sites it would be greatly appreciated. Just let me know your email address and I will add you to the list. You can send in any survey results either to me or to the SxBRC via their Recorder spreadsheet available from their website. Please report negative sightings as well as positive ones as it is almost more important for us to know where otters are not found than it is to know where they are.

If you survey some of the better and more remote wetland or river sites on a regular basis and know of a good spot which might be used by otters as a territorial marker then let me know the grid reference and I will add it to my list of survey sites. I am sure there are many better survey sites than the ones listed, and would value your feedback as to where these sites are.

<<Adastra spreadsheet.xls>>
If you feel you need a little more practice then we will be running an otter survey training day on October 6th (£10 a head just to cover expenses, but free to non-professional volunteers)

OR you can also find information on otter and mink signs at http://www.sussexotters.org/wildlife/otters3.htm

Thanks for all your help

Fran

 

Fran Southgate
Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership
Sussex Wildlife Trust
Henfield
W Sussex
BN5 9SD
01273 497555
07769 886696
www.sussexotters.org

The Sussex Otters and Rivers Project promotes sustainable management of rivers and their landscapes, and the restoration of wetland habitats for the benefit of people and wildlife.  The project is supported by Environment Agency, South East Water, Southern Water Services and Sussex Wildlife Trust and is a partner of the national ‘Water for Wildlife’ project.

---

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone [phone]