Otter

 

Two otters and a pair of grey wagtails on my walk back along the towpath from Stroud to Ebley. The birds by the hydro grill at Dudbridge, and a female otter enjoying lunch just under Wallbridge lower lock, but she was too quick for me to get a good picture.

Then more excitement on approaching Hilly Orchard with a sleek, velvet-coated youngster swimming carelessly towards Ebley Mill. Thanks to a ‘clean’ canal, the fish and the efforts of the Cotswold Canals Trust and Stroud District Council.

Further information and images

UK Wild Otter Trust

The Anxious Gardener – an otter in Stroud

Countryfile – guide to Britain’s otters