Office 1-3, Maidendown Stage, Burlescombe, Devon, Ex16 7JX 01823 299066

Water Vole & Otter Surveys for Planning and Conservation


Expert Water Vole & Otter Surveys for Planning & Ecological Compliance

At HalpinRobbins, we specialise in providing legally compliant surveys for water voles and otters. Whether you're a developer or landowner, our licensed ecologists deliver efficient, cost-effective assessments to help your projects move forward with confidence.


Water Vole Surveys

Legal Compliance and Planning Support

The water vole Arvicola amphibius is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take a water vole, or to damage, destroy, or obstruct access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection. Disturbing a water vole while it is occupying such a place is also illegal.

Our services include:

  • Habitat Assessment – Visual assessment for signs of water vole activity, such as burrows, feeding stations, and latrines
  • Footprint Tunnels/Rafts – Detecting distinctive footprints to identify presence
  • Live Trapping – Capturing, identifying, sexing, and releasing water voles
  • Mitigation & Licensing – Developing strategies and obtaining necessary licences from statutory bodies

If water voles are found to be present in an area where development is proposed, a development licence may be required from the relevant statutory body, such as Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, or NatureScot. Suitable mitigation measures may include habitat creation, translocation, or provision of artificial refuges during construction works.

Otter Surveys

Ensuring Compliance with Protected Species Legislation

The European otter Lutra lutra is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended). It is an offence to kill, injure, or disturb an otter, or to destroy any place it uses for rest or shelter.

Our services include:

  • Habitat Suitability Assessment – Evaluating the potential for otter presence based on habitat features
  • Field Surveys – Identifying signs such as spraints, holts, slides, footprints, and rest points
  • Mapping & Impact Assessment – Mapping field signs to assess risk or impact to otters and proposed works
  • Mitigation & Licensing – Developing strategies and obtaining necessary licences from statutory bodies

Otter surveys can be undertaken year-round. If a site contains or is adjacent to water features such as rivers, streams, canals, lakes, or ponds, it is likely that an otter survey will be required.


Let us help you meet your ecological obligations with confidence.


Contact HalpinRobbins for Expert Advice

With decades of combined ecological experience, our team is here to simplify the survey process for both developers and landowners. We provide clear advice, reliable reporting, and compliant strategies tailored to your site's unique needs.


Contact us for a free consultation:

📞 Call us: 01823 299066 

📧 Email: info@halpinrobbins.co.uk


Testimonials / Case Study

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Related Services 

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Affiliations

Our staff maintain and enhance their knowledge of ecology and the environment through research, specialist training and by maintaining membership of several professional and specialist bodies including:

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
British Ecological Society
CIWEM

If you wish to find out more about permitting, ecology services or to discuss a project or development please contact us directly for a free, non-committal discussion.

"Nothing is too much trouble and the two way communication is second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend HalpinRobbins to anyone and we wouldn`t even contemplate going anywhere else."

Samantha Southam - Managing Director

Falcon Rural Housing Limited

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