Wildlife experts are keeping their fingers crossed that breeding otters have returned to the upper reaches of the River Colne.

Volunteers, organised by the River Colne Countryside Project, built two artificial otter holts on stretches of the river above Halstead last winter, in an attempt to entice the elusive creatures back to the River Colne.

Because of the nature of otters, naturally very wary and shy of humans, the exact location of these holts remains a well-kept secret.

Although single otters passing through the area have been seen on the river, a breeding pair have not been seen for more than 20 years.

Now the sighting of a pair could mean the Colne is home to an otter family once more.

A spokesman for the River Colne Countryside Project, said: "It's very hard to work out if this is a breeding pair or if it is just rogue otters visiting the river and passing through, but we're hopeful.

"We'll keep a close watch and we will have to see."

Published Thursday, February 21, 2002