Essex Rivers Hub

RIVERSEARCH was set up in 2007 to train volunteers to survey for otters as part of the annual Essex Otter Survey. Since then RIVERSEARCH has trained more than 250 volunteer surveyors to search for Otters, Water Voles, Water Shrews and Harvest Mice across Essex.

Information collected by volunteers feeds into a long term data set which shows how these species populations have changed over time. This information can then be used to target resources to protect existing populations and determine why they are absent from other areas.

RIVERSEARCH training courses are run throughout the year and are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience or knowledge. If you’re interested in joining RIVERSEARCH and would like to book a place on a training course please visit Essex Wildlife Trust’s website to find a course near you or alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 01621 862974 for more details.