Case Study: Otters
Eryri Nation Park (Snowdonia)
We completed site surveys for Otter to support tree clearance teams working on the overhead power lines was was being done to maintain the overhead power lines in a safe and reliable condition. The work was on sites within Eryri Nation Park (Snowdonia). The Afon (River) Gwyrfai is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is therefore strictly protected. The river is designated for the populations of Atlantic Salmon and Otter that are present and so work could only be commenced once authorised to do so by Natural Resource Wales (NRW) if appropriate otter surveys were carried out and suitable control measures were implemented.
Surveys were done to identify any otter or otter holts that were present near to tree clearance work. Evidence of otter’s having been recently present was identified but none were present at the time the work was carried out so work was able to proceed without causing any disturbance and we were able to ensure that any features we identified that could potentially be used as otter holts such has hollows under trees and holes in the river bank were not damaged or destroyed by the work being done.
Tree clearance team
The tree clearance team received a toolbox talk from us and we agreed with the team that branches would be cut using insulated tools in only small sized pieces to prevent any damage to potential otter holts that were present in the river embankment underneath the power lines.
Otter spraints were identified during the site walkover that was carried out prior to the tree clearance team starting work which confirmed that otters were present or had moved through this area where work was required but since no otter were present at the time work could commence.