A MAMMALOGIST believes that Carlisle's rivers are improving following growing reports of otter sightings within the city. 

John Martin, who previously worked for the Environment Agency, is part of the Cumbria Mammal Group - an independent group of mammal enthusiasts who look to raise awareness of the ecology and conservation needs of mammals in Cumbria. 

"I think it has improved, I base my opinion that the return of the otter indicates a healthy water course. They will tolerate a small level of pollution, a huge amount of pollution gets washed off our road after a dry winter period for example, all the road salt ends up in our water courses - otters can tolerate that because they live and feed in salt water as they do in fresh water.  

"The figures indicate that there is a very good return to the pre-sixties level where habitat had since been destroyed due to poor management techniques, in turn destroying many habitats for many animals including for otters. 

"Over the last 50 years since those methods were deployed however, things have improved and are getting better but, it's still an ongoing fight," he said.

Later this month, England's sixth otter survey is complete, a survey which John believes will shine a light on the growing presence of the mammal throughout England.

For anyone looking to go otter spotting in Carlisle, John recommends a trip to the River Eden.  

"I would go to Stoneyholme Golf Course (at the other side of Rickerby Park).

"I'd take the path to the footbridge over the River Eden. At the point the River Petteril comes into the River Eden (next to the footbridge).

"There's some sandbanks underneath the willows, if the water level is fairly low, you can walk about under the willows and look at the footprints," he said. 

John also said to be on the look-out for otter spraints (poo): "They use sprainting to mark their territories. These watercourses are on route to feeding sources. They leave the spraints not because they want to poo, but more to leave behind their status to other otters. 

"You won't see prints on gravel, but look for sand or silt. Otters have five toes opposed to dogs, approximately six centimetres wide front and back, they're fairly distinguishable. 

 "Also, going down at dusk and dawn is the best time to go. You can walk England up and down and never see them, you just have to be patient," he said. 

If you'd be interested in joining the Cumbria Mammal Group, you can do by visiting their Facebook group. 

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