Otters are making a steady return

The species' strongholds are in south west England, Wales and much of Scotland, with significant numbers in Northern Ireland.

Otters have also been recorded in the centre of major towns and cities, including Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Doncaster.

But now they are confronted by unfamiliar dangers, with road vehicles a particular hazard. Since July 1988 at least 300 otters have been run over in England and Wales.

The floods of last autumn and winter have compounded the problem.

The sheer quantity of water gushing under bridges meant the otters could not swim against the rapid current, so they tried to cross the road instead and often got hit by cars.

Otter specialists work with the Highways Agency and planning authorities to try to ensure there is a safe route for the animals where possible, perhaps an underpass beneath a road or a ledge to enable them to walk clear of floodwater.

Sometimes the answer is fencing, a remedy which is also used to keep otters out of fisheries.

Wider approach

The Trusts are already working to restore otters by natural recolonisation to every UK waterway and coastal area where they have been recorded since 1960.

In the last three years, the project has surveyed over 4,000 kilometres of river habitat for otters, undertaken 400 significant habitat improvement schemes, and built more than 300 holts (the otters' dens).

Too much water is a problem

The Water for Wildlife project the Trusts are launching is meant to build on what has been done so far.

It will seek to increase the rivers and wetlands managed for wildlife across the UK, working on the basis of whole river basins.

And its work to restore wetlands should help not just the otters but also water voles, reed warblers, and the southern damselfly.

Lowland raised bogs, fens, reedbeds and other habitats will also benefit.

Professor David Bellamy, the Trusts' president, said: "The return of the otter to our rivers and wetlands gives us great hope for the future.

"But now isn't the time for complacency. The fantastic benefits for otters and wetlands that this project has brought need to be built on."