It has taken less than fifty years to all but destroy the otter population in Sussex. Habitat destruction, development and the effects of toxic chemicals used in agriculture and industry in the past almost decimated these elusive creatures and made them extinct in Sussex. However, thanks to the conservation work of the Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership, led by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, we have evidence that otters are slowly beginning to return to the county.

Wetlands and water are an extremely important resource and can help absorb and hold huge amounts of floodwater away from towns.

Please support our Otters and Rivers Appeal
With your help we can restore Sussex wetland habitats and river corridors to assist in the recovery of endangered species, especially otters, water voles and black poplars.

For example:-

£25 will enable us to plant five black poplar saplings. We aim to plant more than 500 in Sussex during the next 12 months.


£50 would contribute towards the restoration of a reedbed, which can provide good resting and feeding areas for water voles, otters, rare birds and other wildlife.

£100 could help finance the construction of an artificial otter holt.

£250 would help to fund a scientific survey to identify areas of wetland needing restoration.

The protection and restoration of habitats also benefits other key species such as barn owl, barbastelle bat and marsh harrier.

Please help us if you can. Whatever you can afford will help conservation work to restore our rivers and wetlands and benefit wildlife in Sussex.

If you would like to make a donation please print out the form below and send a cheque payable to Sussex Wildlife Trust to the FREEPOST address on the form.

Click for a donation form (pdf)

Click here to find out more about wildlife benefiting from river and floodplain management

Click here for more information on the Sussex Otter and Rivers Project

Thank you for your support