Yesterday, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trusts Northern Team had a fun day out (team building) at Rooksbury Mill LNR building a log pile otter holt.
The European Otter Lutra lutra has seen a decline in recent years due to loss of habitat, pollution of water courses which has lead to low fish stocks, and mortality such as road deaths. Otter's are largely nocturnal, and spend the day in lying up sites close to the water. They normally use large tree roots, areas of dense scrub and piles of wooded debris. Unfortunately much of this habitat has been destroyed. An Otter can have a territory of up to 40km of waterway, and within this, up to 20 lying up sites. Building artificial holts, it is an effective way of recreating this habitat. Studies have shown that log pile holts are well used.
The aim is to provide a number of interconnecting chambers that are dark and waterproof. There are three layers to the holt:
The European Otter Lutra lutra has seen a decline in recent years due to loss of habitat, pollution of water courses which has lead to low fish stocks, and mortality such as road deaths. Otter's are largely nocturnal, and spend the day in lying up sites close to the water. They normally use large tree roots, areas of dense scrub and piles of wooded debris. Unfortunately much of this habitat has been destroyed. An Otter can have a territory of up to 40km of waterway, and within this, up to 20 lying up sites. Building artificial holts, it is an effective way of recreating this habitat. Studies have shown that log pile holts are well used.
The aim is to provide a number of interconnecting chambers that are dark and waterproof. There are three layers to the holt:
Stage 1: Large logs (1m long, 30-40cm diameter) are laid to form large chambers of about 1meter square. There should be one or two entrances on the water's edge.
Stage 2: Lay straight poles (3m long, 3-10cm diameter) across the logs and chambers to form the roof. Poles are kept compact to keep out the light.
Stage 2: Lay straight poles (3m long, 3-10cm diameter) across the logs and chambers to form the roof. Poles are kept compact to keep out the light.
Stage 3: Pile brash on top of structure. The idea is to make the holt as dark and dry as possible. Make sure the branches are laid flat and packed down.
Some Leylandii had already been cut at Rooksbury Mill, so we used it on top of the holt to provide an extra waterproof layer. Leylandii can have its uses!
We were very lucky with the weather, and all enjoyed the day out. I just hope the otters appreciate our efforts!
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