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It will probably come as quite a surprise to find out that graceful, playful otters can be seen swimming through Cambridgeshire's rivers and streams - IF you know where to look!

Volunteers from a variety of local environmental organisations have just completed the latest survey of the county's otter population, and the good news is that there's still plenty of evidence that otters are thriving in waterways from Peterborough and the Fens, to Cambridge in the south.

Only 15 years ago, according to The Wildlife Trust, otters had almost disappeared from Cambridgeshire, but, staff and volunteers from the Trust, Cambridgeshire Mammal Group and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Water for Wildlife Project have found evidence of a significant increase in otter numbers since the last survey, carried out five years ago.

Ruth Hawksley, Water for Wildlife officer, said : "It’s brilliant that we’ve got a growing otter population in the county. With the help of local groups and landowners we plan to use the results to improve our rivers and riverside habitats for otters".

Where can you spot an otter?

Cambridge city

Back in 1992, the River Cam, upstream from the city, was the only part of the county where otters could be found. Today, there's evidence of a growing population on both the Cam and the Granta, as well as some of the smaller tributaries.

Huntingdonshire

There's evidence of growing numbers of otters on the Great Ouse, plus new sites on the Ellington and Alconbury brooks. Numbers do appear to be in decline on the River Kym, although the report suggests that this may have been because of high water at the time of the survey.

Fenland and district

A huge increase in otter numbers has been found since the last survey, especially along the old course of the River Nene, the North Level Main Drain and the Twenty Foot River. In 2002 there was only one otter site in this area. The 2007 survey found evidence of 13 sites.

Peterborough

A healthy number of otter sites were found along the River Nene, together with new otter sites on Carr Dyke.

How to become an otter spotter

If you're interested in helping to monitor the county's otter population, get in touch with Ruth Hawksley at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Water for Wildlife Project on 01954 713555.