OTTERS are returning to region's rivers according to a new report, which claims the water mammals have increased their numbers by nearly 20 per cent in Cumbria, writes Countryside Reporter Lisa Frascarelli.

The encouraging figures are the findings of The National Otter Survey For England conducted by the Environment Agency, the Wildlife Trusts, water companies and English Nature.

The national study confirmed otters had started to recolonise in Cumbria in the late 1980s and had Made "consistent" progress during the last 15 years they now occupy all the main rivers and tributaries in the north and west of the region.

Conservation manager for Cumbria Wildlife Trust David Harpley described the report's findings as a "welcome recovery" for the beleaguered mammals.

"There has been an increase in the region's otter population and we are now seeing otters on the rivers Kent, Eden and upper reaches of the Lune.

"If you take the nasty chemicals, PCBs and phosphates, out of the river, the otters breed more successfully. As things become crowded on the riverbank the young ones gradually shuffle their way into unoccupied rivers, which is what we are witnessing in South Cumbria as they swim down from North Cumbria."

He added that otter projects, which ran during the 1990s in the region, had helped the riverside residents' recovery.

Work on manipulating the river habitat, such as building artificial holts, cleaning

up rivers, fencing off river banks to encourage vegetation and keeping livestock out, had led to the increase in otter numbers in the region.

The otter suffered serious decline throughout Europe in the 1960s, primarily following the widespread use of toxic pesticides. Its resurgence in the region's rivers has been helped by improved water quality, plentiful fish stocks and changes in riverbank management.

Anyone who would like to help protect otters and find out how to get involved in enhancing their habitats should contact the Cumbria Wildlife Trust on 01539-816300.

May 22, 2003 12:30