Nature Network Ireland

While most European otter populations are vulnerable, declining, or already extinct, Ireland's population is the densest remaining anywhere, making the country a genuine stronghold for the species. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) isn't free of threats: habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance all put pressure on populations, and otters depend on clean water and healthy riparian habitat for food and shelter. Nature Network Ireland's Otter Project Nature Network Ireland began its otter project in 2016 in Cork City, prompted by concerns over disappearing otter habitat in urban areas. The goal was and remains building public interest in and awareness of otters. The organisation's work was recognised in 2021, when the International Otter Survival Fund named it 'Best Group/Organisation.' Their work spans several strands: Otter Trails — In 2020, the organisation created Ireland's first otter trail, running along the River Lee in Cork city from Christy Ring Bridge to Fitzgerald's Park, with interpretive signage on otter habitat, diet, and conservation. Further trails followed in Bishopstown (along the Twopot River) and Ballincollig regional park. Otter Spotters (citizen science) is a national citizen science project inviting the public to record sightings of otters or signs of otters (spraint, couches, holts, prey remains) via a dedicated online form. Originally piloted in Tralee and Galway City, it now runs nationally. Submitted records feed into the National Otter Survey and are shared with the National Biodiversity Data Centre. In 2023, this work was awarded funding from IMPETUS, an initiative supported by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (grant agreement 101058677). Research - In 2023 the group ran research on otter spraint distribution across Cork City and Cork Harbour, plus a connectivity survey, funded by Cork City Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Office of Public Works, and Cork County Council. In 2022, funding from the Local Waters and Community Office and Cork County Council supported an otter project in Youghal. Education — a primary school otter pack features "Attie the Otter" as its central character, and in Youghal the group partnered with the local Blue and Green Community Network and Gaelscoil Choráin, running a school poster competition. 2025 highlights — Nature Network Ireland ran Otter Workshops during Science Week 2025 across Cork city, and on 16 October 2025 hosted the 'Otters in Ireland' Seminar at Cork County Council's County Hall. The seminar brought together researchers, planners, and consultancy experts to present academic findings and hold panel discussions on research gaps and how to better protect otters through local planning processes. The event was delivered as part of a wider Networking Initiative funded by the Marine Institute under the Marine Research Programme, with support from the Government of Ireland, MKO Planning and Environmental Consultancy, and Cork County Council. Full outcomes from the seminar are due to be published.