Looking for a different way to spend your weekend? Why not book to stay with us as Sandhill House Country Retreat B&B and join experts from the Devon Biological Record Centre to discover more about the world of otters and how to look for evidence of these wonderful creatures near you. Even better, why not book a week in our self-catering Tamar Orchard Barn and put your new skills to the test on the stunning Tamar Valley?
Otters
are legally protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, but need
our help with habitat improvement, keeping watercourses clean and surveying
where they live, so they can continue to thrive without the threat of
development destroying their homes.
This FREE training day, is made possible through the Helping Hands for Heritage project (Tamar Valley AONB), on Saturday 7th March, 10am – 4:30pm, in the stunning location
of Lopwell Dam. During the day, learn techniques on how to survey for otters,
find out about otter ecology and discover what actually happens with the
records at the DBRC.
Following
a free lunch at the Old Pump House Café, Lopwell, enjoy an afternoon field
session around the River Tavy looking for signs of otters, which may include
droppings (spraint) and footprints.
Sam
Barnes, Helping Hands for Heritage
Project Officer, explains, “Local information will feed
back to the DBRC as part of ‘Operation Otter’. It will also be important to the
AONB to know where otter populations are, as this indicates good water quality,
a healthy ecosystem and good habitat – all positive factors in the special
qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
You will need warm clothing, layers, waterproofs, walking boots or wellies, and a
walking pole and binoculars if you have them.
All
refreshments & lunch will be provided free of charge.
Booking is essential for this event, so please either book with us and we will enroll you on the course or contact Caroline directly at the
Devon Biological Record Centre to secure your place or for further details.
Tel: 01392 274128 or email: cjones@devonwildlifetrust.org. For other volunteering opportunities, please
visit www.tamarvalley.org.uk/hh4h
