Welcome to the Dorset Otter Group's website, this is a companion to our Newsletter and Bulletins. The newsletter (Holt) is produced annually with quarterly Bulletins.

The Otter Group has been running since 1997.
The winter survey period is December and January, with the results due in during February.

2010 Sightings

For emergencies (orphaned or injured otters) ring:
RSPCA National Emergency number: 0300 1234 999

To report otter carcasses:
Environment Agency National Number:
01258 483486 (during office hours)
0800 807060 (out of office hours)

The Chalks and Hawks Project has had success filming otters in Dorset this year. The website has footage from previous projects and we aim to have a showing of the new footage later in the year.

To assist with advice on Otter predation of commercial fisheries and ornamental ponds, two links have been added for the Wildlife Trusts and Specialist Anglers' Alliance with details on the issue.

Otter Prints at Christchurch Harbour.

Contained within these pages are details of who we are and what we do as part of the Otters and Rivers project in the UK.
We have a variety of information on the site including photos and the first video clips of the elusive otter in Dorset.

How you can help.
 
Our members are trained volunteers that collectively survey the county for signs of otters on our rivers.
They also participate in conservation initiatives such as holt building.
Further details about our results and how to become involved in the group are found in the relevant sections.

Also included is a variety of links to our supporters in the form of government bodies with an interest in our waterways. As well as the water companies and the Wildlife Trusts network, that support and work with us.

Current surveyors may find the surveyors page helpful, with extra forms and the survey periods.
Contributions to the website and the newsletter are always appreciated, whether they are photos or articles.

I have covered a variety of material whilst building this site but I am always looking for new ideas.
Please send any comments to:
DarrenFanner@DorsetOtterGroup.org.uk