Otter Group

Good news about otter recovery in the South West. Results of the fourth National Otter Survey for England re-confirm that the region is England's true stronghold. The nu mber of positive sites has increased from 24% (1977-79), 44% (1984-86), 67% (1991-94) to 83% (2000-02). 1 surveyed 158 sites in Cornwall. It was an amazing experience to find otter signs in exactly the same spot as 25 years ago. It was also exciting to make new records. Otter signs were found for the first time on the Red River in West Cornwall and on the Lizard.

The otter population has always been good in the east of the county and Brian Stringer, an otter spotter assisting me, and I actually saw a young female otter on the River Tamar. In fact, I nearly stood on her whilst carrying out the survey! If you would like to monitor one of these national sites please get in touch with me on (01872) 273939. It's important we do this. The otter is an important indicator of the health of our rivers and wetlands. Its gradual recovery highlights the wel1-being of the water environment. The good otter populations in the region show

 

that along with partners such as South West Water and the Environment Agency, we are getting it right. However, we can not get complacent. Only about one-third of the sites surveyed in                                              

England had evidence of otters and we are still some time away from the full recovery of historical numbers.

Kate Stokes

map of otter distribtion in England
Otter Survey of England 2000-02 Percentage of Positive Sites by Region

Living Churchyards

Surveying Cornwall's churchyards continues, with Biscovey, Boyton and Herodsfoot the latest to have botanical surveys undertaken. Spear-leaved willowherb (Epilobium lanceolatum), a species particularly found in south-west England, was found on a wall at Biscovey and rough hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), which is rare in Cornwall/ at Boyton. The management regime at Herodsfoot churchyard has created a wealth of interesting species. Bluebells and primroses are left to flower during spring and after a light mow in early summer dog-daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) were prolific. The lawns also had species

typical of unimproved grassland including bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) and most interestingly, spring sedge (Carex caryophyllea), a species probably under-recorded in Cornwall.

Bastard-balm (Melittis melissophyllum) also grows on the churchyard hedge and this is the first time that this nationally scarce species has been recorded for a Living Churchyard survey. It is hoped that through the Botanical Cornwall Group more churchyards can be surveyed as part of the ongoing recording in Cornwall during 2004.

lan Bennallick


Polypody. Photo: Carol Simpson