Riparian and ruderal vegetation with scattered trees border the river. Trees are generally alder and willow. Their roots help to hold the banks in place and reduce erosion. Otters may rest in hollows or cavities beneath these roots in the riverbank. These resting places are called holts. Where otters rest in an open grassy place, the oval-shaped hollow formed is known as a couch!

Otters are a semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. They have brown fur and a long slender body with a thick tapering tail. They grow to about a metre in length. Otters have webbed feet, each with five toes. An otter’s diet mainly comprises fish but occasionally might include water birds and also frogs in spring. Otters have been spotted in the river beneath the bridges you can see from here. They are secretive and swim very low in the water with just the top of their head and body visible. You too may be lucky enough to see one.