Otter Workshop In Wick

Last Saturday (9th July) Countryside Rangers with the Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service organised a workshop about the fascinating life and habits of one of our favourite mammals, the European Otter.

Paul and Grace Yuxon from the International Otter Survival Fund, based on the Isle Skye, were invited to Caithness to lead the workshop and share many of their experiences in otter research and rehabilitation.

The morning session involved an interesting visual presentation on the European otter and analysis of otter spraints. After lunch, the group put their learning into practice and walked part of the Wick River is search of field signs such as spraints, runs and tracks.

The event was organised as part of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers programme of events and attracted 20 volunteers from around the county who undertake environmental projects in their free time. Funding was sought through the Moray Firth Partnership which supports a range of environmental projects throughout the Moray Firth area.

Marina Swanson, East Caithness ranger and workshop organiser said:

"The day went particularly well especially with the lovely weather. We are very fortunate to have a healthy population of otters living in Caithness. Such elusive creatures can be difficult to observe in the wild but the workshop provided a wonderful insight into their world and highlighted the tell tale signs we should look out for. Many thanks to Paul and Grace for leading the workshop, to the Moray Firth Partnership for their funding, and to the Nethercliffe hotel for hosting the event."

The Highland Council Planning and Development’s Countryside Rangers are supported by Scottish Natural Heritage.