Slowly, and aided by the Otter Trust s re-introduction programme, otters have quietly returned to Norfolk s watery places. The future looks promising but otters remain vulnerable. Their populations are fragmented and they have a slow rate of breeding. Poor water quality and fish populations, a lack of river valley wetlands and deaths on roads are all hindering a complete recovery. However, compared to parts of southern and central England, Norfolk is becoming an otter stronghold.
Otters are now present in all the major Norfolk catchments and they occupy most of the main rivers.
In particular, the Wensum, Wissey and Waveney are considered to be key rivers, as well as the internationally important Broads system in the east of the county. The success of the project on the ground depends upon organisations working together and the active involvement of local people including landowners.