WATER FIRMM TO HELP PROTECT OTTERS

The utility company has joined the Sussex Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and South East Water to become a partner of the Sussex Otters and Rivers Partnership (SORP).

SORP is part of Water for Wildlife, a national group led by The Wildlife Trusts aimed at looking at water supply and demand, and the needs of wetland wildlife.

The group is dedicated to restoring and maintaining healthy wetland areas in Sussex to improve the habitats of both endangered wildlife and the environment in general.

Adela Hepworth, Southern Water's Environmental Scientist, said: 'With changes in weather patterns and drought threatening the South East, helping to manage and conserve our wetlands and water resources is becoming increasingly important.'

Fran Southgate, a SORP officer, explained the concern surrounding wetlands. She said: 'In Sussex we have lost more than 90 per cent of our water vole population in the last 20 years and in the 1960s otters became extinct in the county. Both of these species require good quality wetland habitats to get the food they need to survive.

'Healthy wetlands also provide drinking water, storage for flood water and indicate a high quality of water. So, in helping the wildlife we are also helping the general public as well.'

The work SORP does includes providing free advice to landowners on improving the quality of wetlands, increasing general awareness in society about the issues as well as installing otter holts - artificial versions of an otters' natural habitat.