5th April 2017, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Since 2013 Durham Wildlife Trust have been surveying for otters around the county, and again this year we’re joining forces so we can cover more of the Tees Valley area. As part of our River Tees Rediscovered project we want to encourage as many volunteers to survey a specially allocated patch for otter signs. The survey will be held on the 22nd/23rd April; on the Saturday morning check for signs, record what is found, then mark or scuff the signs so it is not counted again. On the Sunday morning the site is visited again and if new signs are found this is then recorded again.
This enables us to gain a snapshot of what populations are active across the region. However this year we want to focus on surveying for signs of mink too; as volunteers have been recording more mink signs in otter territory, which is a worrying pattern. This data will then help us understand more about the relationships between the two.
During the workshop we will look at otter/mink habitats, spraint, prints, feeding remains and Holts. We will also look at ways we can manage habitats and look at possible threats to the otter population. We will also go through what signs you will be surveying for and how to fill out the survey form.
After the training you will be given an allocated patch specific to your location, an otter spotters guide and survey form.
Please bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
There is no cost for this training session.
Location and Directions
Preston Farm, Preston Farm, Preston Lane, Stockton-on-Tees., Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3UG
Meeting point: Preston Farm Nature Reserve – Preston Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3UG. Parking near allotments.