Otters have been extinct in Sussex since the 1970’s but now, thanks to help from water companies and conservation organisations in the county there are signs they are returning.

The Sussex Otter and Rivers Project (SORP) is led by Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Fran Southgate and is part of a national initiative Water for Wildlife supported in Sussex by The Environment Agency, Southern Water, South East Water and Sussex Wildlife Trust , four key organisations who have joined forces with one aim - restoring and maintaining healthy wetland areas in the county to improve habitats for both endangered wildlife and the environment in general.

Pollution, destruction of wetlands, hunting and road kill have all contributed to the decline of the otter in Sussex where over 60% of wetlands were intensively drained for agriculture between 1960 and 1980.

The decline was not just focused on Sussex and otter populations were diminished throughout the UK, reflecting the nationwide loss of wetlands. It is estimated that only five percent of land surface in the UK covered by wetlands in pre-Roman times remains today. With predicted climate change, pressure can only increase on the water resources available to humans and wildlife.

Originally, SORP focused on individual endangered wetland species such as the otter, water vole and black poplar trees. After seven years, thanks to the dedication of landowners, project partners and volunteers, wetland habitats are improving and species such as the water vole have increased in numbers.

The focus is now on improving key wetland landscapes and linking them together using wildlife corridors.* Although we have yet to welcome breeding otters back to Sussex the signs are encouraging as we know they do cross over our borders on their nightly search for food – journeys that can cover up to 25 miles.

But, it’s not all about wildlife. By improving the way rivers and wetlands are managed it will not only help to increase the amount of drinking water we have but help improve water quality and increase the amount of storage for flood water away from towns.

Fran Southgate said, ‘We are committed to helping people understand how important water and wetlands are to both people and wildlife. More holistic management of river catchments and wetlands has a big role to play in protecting our precious water resources and our threatened and endangered species. It is to this wider landscape approach that we are now directing our attention.’

For further details about SORP please visit our website www.sussexotters.org or contact Fran Southgate direct 01273 497555.

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Editors note:
an example of a wildlife corridor is a hedgerow linking two woodlands. The hedgerow can provide a food source and vital cover from predators for a variety of species, allowing them to move from one area of good habitat to another to find food, shelter and mates.

The Sussex Otter and Rivers Project (SORP) is a partnership between Sussex Wildlife Trust, South East Water, The Environment Agency and Southern Water.