The UK Wild Otter Trust has set their sights on ambitious plans to rewild four acres of land in Devon, previously used for livestock grazing, in a bid to see once abundant animal and plant life thrive once more – including being a haven for wild otters.
As part of Aviva’s Community Fund, the charity will be asking the public for donations, which will then be doubled by the fund, so for every £10 given, the UK Wild Otter Trust will receive £20 for the rewilding project.
Dave Webb, the founder and CEO of the UK Wild Otter Trust said the fundraising initiative is part of a wider plan for the charity:
“I’ve been a conservationist for over 50 years. In those 50 years, so much woodland, pond, and habitat deterioration has left us responsible for the decline in the number of wild animals and plant life. It is our duty to try reversing this trend, both for our current communities and future generations to enjoy.
“This fundraising drive is part of a three-year plan to expand our operations, having acquired the four-acre meadow last year. As well as our core aim of saving the lives of more wild otters here in the UK, we want to restore biodiversity to Devon, and see our environment and communities thrive.”
As well as being a haven for wildlife, the land acquired by the charity in 2024, located in North Devon, will be home to an expansion of the charity’s current otter rescue centre.
“In transforming the land, we will create a rich, diverse habitat for many species native to North Devon, including wild Eurasian otters,” said Webb. “Our three-year plan will include planting a woodland copse of over 500 native trees such as rowan, hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, birch, and beech. At the entrance, there will be an acre of wildflower meadow to encourage owls and other wildlife to return. Additionally, there will be a large pond which will encourage previously unseen wildlife, insects, and mammals to visit and live in the area.”
The charity also reached out to local Devon residents following Christmas this year, asking for donations of natural Christmas trees, as these can be used for enrichment for the many otter cubs currently undergoing rehabilitation at the rescue centre. The new smells from the trees are enriching and they make great natural shelters. The otters will also break pieces off the trees to take into their holts, which is a natural behaviour.
Find more details about Aviva’s Community Fund and how you can double your donation to the UK Wild Otter Trust here: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/lee-meadow-rewilding-for-nature