Otter
In the 1960’s there was a significant decline in Otter numbers in the Lee Valley and by the 1970’s they were no longer found at all. Otters were re-introduced into the Regional Park in 1991 and have since bred successfully at Rye Meads. They are occasionally seen between Ware and Waltham Abbey and more recently there have been reports further down the River Lee towards the River Thames.
Otters provide an excellent indication of the health of the river system as they require uninterrupted lengths of good quality river habitat and an abundant supply of fish. Inland, Otters are very secretive animals, active largely at night and regular surveys are carried out to monitor the population. Key actions through the BAP include measures to overcome barriers to Otter movement such as poorly designed bridges and the provision of secluded artificial holts in which they can raise their young.
Otters are extremely elusive and are unlikely to be seen, but you may see signs of them such as footprints in muddy river banks or their droppings or ‘spraints’ marking their territory. There is an Otter Discovery Trail at Fishers Green where you can learn a little bit more about Otters in the Regional Park.