THERE'S an opportunity to join experts from the Devon Biological Record Centre (DBRC) discovering the world of otters and how to look for evidence of these creatures near you during a free training day this Saturday.

Otters are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but need help with habitat improvement, keeping watercourses clean and surveying where they live, so they can continue to thrive without the threat of development destroying their homes.

The free training day, made possible through the Helping Hands for Heritage project (Tamar Valley AONB), will be held on Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm at Lopwell Dam.

During the day, participants will learn techniques on how to survey for otters, find out about otter ecology and discover what happens with the records at the DBRC.

Following a free lunch at the Old Pump House Café at Lopwell, there will be an afternoon field session around the River Tavy looking for signs of otters, which may include droppings (spraint) and footprints.

Sam Barnes, Helping Hands for Heritage project officer, said: 'Following the training, volunteers will be given the chance to choose a stretch of river to survey; locations have been identified by DBRC where there have been sightings.

'This information will feed back to the DBRC as part of Operation Otter.

'It will also be important to the AONB to know where otter populations are, as this indicates good water quality, a healthy ecosystem and good habitat — all positive factors in the special qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

Please bring warm clothing, layers, waterproofs, walking boots or wellies and a walking pole and binoculars, if you have them.

All refreshments and lunch will be provided free of charge. Booking is essential for this event.

Contact Caroline at the Devon Biological Record Centre to secure a place or to find out more information on 01392 274128 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

For other volunteering opportunities visit http://www.tamarvalley.org.uk/hh4h">www.tamarvalley.org.uk/hh4h