Otters return to the river

Otters have returned to the lower river for the first time in forty years, the survey team reported on Monday.

The team counted eleven holts along a six-kilometre stretch, most of them under the roots of alder trees near the old mill.

Water quality has improved since the treatment works upstream was rebuilt, and fish stocks have recovered with it.

Volunteers will repeat the count in spring, when cubs first leave the holt and tracks are easiest to read in the mud.