Page 10 - Demo

OTTER BRINGS CONSTRUCTION WORK TO A HOLT
In a previous newsletter we described how our teams had to down tools for two weeks on a project at Nigg Bay when a Meadow Pipit’s nest was found on site.
The wildlife star of this edition goes by the formal name of lutra lutra, or to give it its everyday name, the otter. The European otter is the only otter native to the UK and it is a European Protected Species. It is fully protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 as are its breeding sites.
W M Donald was contracted by Aberdeen City Council to undertake minor repairs to the Greyhope Road coastal embankment. Stones at the toe of the embankment had been washed away and there was a danger of undercutting and slumping. Working on the embankment required a permit from Aberdeen Harbour Board.
The proximity of the works to the Dee estuary meant it fell within the Special Protection Area (SPA) and a visit from the Council’s appointed ecology consultants identified potential signs of otter activity around the voids in the wall. A species protection plan was drawn up which the site team followed during the works.
The ecologist surveyed the area at the start of each shift to give the all clear. He also provided toolbox talks on best practice when working alongside wildlife and remained on site until the works were completed.
DID YOU KNOW?
» Otters spend the majority of their time on land not in water
» Male otters are called boars, females are sows, the offspring are pups
» They are the only know marine mammal that doesn’t have blubber
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