Acorn Ecology Ltd

Otters may be encountered on development sites that affect or are near to water courses. They may also be present on sites designated for nature conservation. Therefore it is important that ecologists and conservationists know how to survey for them, how to recognise their field signs and have a good understanding of their ecology.

Ecologists also need to have a clear understanding of the legislation and guidance relating to otters and development, and to make sure that appropriate mitigation techniques are used.

Our otter course will be split into two days and you are welcome to come to just one of them, or both of them. You will need to bring a packed lunch on the first day, but lunch will be provided on the second day. You will receive a discount if you book onto both courses at the same time.

The first day of the course will be taught by Sue Searle BSc, PGDip, MIEEM who is the senior ecologist at Acorn Ecology Ltd. The second day will be taught by a visiting tutor, Richard Green BSc CEnv MIEEM who is an ecological consultant with years of experience of working with otters on development projects.

Day 1 - Otter ecology and surveying

This course is an introductory level course and will be part classroom and part field based. The course will cover the following topics:

• Otter biology and ecology
• Identifying otters and their field signs
• Legal status of otters
• Otter conservation

During the course we will take a trip to a local site to look for otter field signs, so be sure to bring your field clothes and equipment including wellies, wet weather clothing and binoculars.

Day 2 - Otters and development

This course is primarily aimed at ecologists who work with developers on sites where otters may be present. This day will be spent in the classroom and will cover the following topics:

• Ecology and surveying (recap)
• Otters and the Law
• Otter issues in development projects
• When to apply for a licence
• Mitigation techniques e.g. fencing, underpasses, artificial holts, lighting, planting
• Monitoring success
• Case studies

Other information

Where: The courses will begin at our training centre at The Granary, Westpoint, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX5 1DJ. In case you need to stay overnight, we have provided a list of local accommodation.

When: The next Otter Ecology and Surveying course is scheduled for Thursday 5th July 2012.

The next Otters and Development course is running on the following day, Friday 6th July 2012.

Timings: The Otter Ecology and Surveying course will start at 10.30 am and run until around 4.30pm. The Otters and Development course will start at 10:00am and finish at around 4-4:30pm.

Price: The price of the Otter Ecology and Surveying course varies according to your situation: £105 (standard fee); £85 for unemployed/full time students/full time volunteers; and £130 if your organisation is paying. This fee covers tuition only. A packed lunch should be brought to eat during fieldwork.

The price of Otters and Development is set at £190. This includes a buffet lunch and a cream tea in the afternoon.

Booking both courses together means a discounted combined price of £275.

How to book: When there is an available date, you can book on-line by clicking the 'Buy Now' button below and selecting the appropriate rate. Alternatively you can complete the attached form and send a cheque or request an invoice

Once you have booked, we will e-mail you to confirm that your booking has been received.