Wildlife

Wild UK River Otter Habitat 2026

Current status of river otter habitat in the UK in 2026, following remarkable population recovery.

Key Facts

River otters are now present in all 25 English river basins surveyed in 2021-22
Recovery is attributed to water quality improvement, pesticide bans, and legal protection
Riparian habitat quality including bankside vegetation and undisturbed holts is improving
Conflict with fishing ponds remains localized but requires management
Otter distribution continues to expand including into suburban and urban waterways

Welfare Considerations

Otter habitat recovery demonstrates how environmental policy change delivers welfare benefits for individual animals. Otters with clean, fish-rich rivers and secure holts have good welfare. Sustaining water quality improvement and protecting riparian habitat maintains the conditions that support otter welfare.

What You Can Do

Support river trust organizations working on riparian habitat restoration
Advocate for water quality standards that protect otter habitat and food supply
Record otter sightings to contribute to distribution monitoring