News

Digging for victory in National Volunteers' Week

Contact

Photo opportunities and photographs of the otter holt construction are available on request from Sue Ellis, Communications Officer, the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley project on 01473 264263 or email: dedhamvaleproject@suffolk.gov.uk

Notes for editors

1. The Stour Valley Volunteers meet up every other Wednesday to do practical conservation work in the Stour Valley. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Emma Black on (01473) 264263 or email emma.black@suffolk.gov.uk 2. Over twenty of artificial holts have been constructed along the Stour Valley, by the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project with help from local volunteers on land put aside by private landowners. Most of these are ‘log pile’ holts, designed to replicate piles of flood debris and riverside scrub which would occur naturally in a less intensively managed landscape. Otters are making a comeback in the UK since their rapid decline in the 1960s thanks to more sensitive land management practices and improvements in water quality and riverside habitat. In the last 12 months, there have been several sightings by local people along the valley of adults and young playing and taking fish. 3. The Dedham Vale AONB is one of Britain’s finest landscapes. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are part of the “family” of UK protected areas that include our National Parks and Heritage Coasts. All receive special protection because of their outstanding landscape quality. The Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project seek to champion the environmental and cultural qualities of the Stour Valley. 4. The Project is funded by Natural England, Suffolk County Council, Essex County Council, Babergh District Council, Braintree District Council, Colchester Borough Council, St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Tendring District Council.