Location: Fox & Hounds Country Hotel, Eggesford, Chulmleigh, EX18 7JZ.

Date: Tuesday 22nd October 2024.

Price: £65 per person. Price includes a two course meal. (Accommodation NOT included).

There are 70 spaces. We need a minimum of 50 bookings to run the event or you will be refunded. Cut off to purchase tickets is September 1st 2024.

We reserve the right to refuse entry or remove anyone that will create a negative atmosphere. This event is designed to be a welcoming and informative event for all to enjoy.

You will hear from a host of speakers who will be covering a range of topics, including the work of UKWOT, Scottish otters, behaviour, views from anglers and wildlife cameramen. Check out the speakers list below, more will be announced soon.

Dave is the Founder & CEO of UKWOT. With many years’ experience of working with, studying and rehabilitating our Eurasian otters, he will speak about UKWOT, the organisation that rightly has an excellent reputation in the conservation circles. Dave has written 2 books and has won many awards for his conservation work with otters, notably being honoured with the Points of Light by the Prime Minister, as well as receiving the IFAW Conservation in Action Award amongst others for his work with fisheries and anglers alike. He has appeared on countless TV productions and has recently completed an hour long series production by a Canadian production company to be aired later in the year.

Colin has a huge reputation within the wildlife sector previously having worked for the RSPCA and the SSPCA, having a specialist wildlife unit built in Scotland, he comes with an impressive background in all things wildlife. Colin will speak about the work that UKWOT do to, and is the Director of rehabilitation & release within UKWOT. He has vast experience with otters and is currently notching up to 400 or more animals in this field.

Rob is a Supervisor within the RSPCA in Cheshire and is one of few that have the facilities to be able to carry out the vital rehabilitation work with otters. Working closely with UKWOT, Rob is held in high regard by many and has a reputation for excellent work within the very specialist field of otter rehab.

Richard is a valued Patron to UKWOT and his experience has taken Richard to many different areas to film otters. Best known for his wildlife cameraman work on BBC Springwatch and the One Show, he will take us into the filming aspect of this species with great stories to be told.

Ross has a reputation for following the otters around his local patch in Edinburgh. He has appeared on several TV series and is also an accomplished Author, writing several books about otters and other wildlife. He has great knowledge of the species and will take us into his otter world which is truly fascinating.

Mark is a renowned and highly respected angler. Mark created the UKs most respected Stillwater carp fishery on the wetlands around the Martock in Somerset area. He has since retired from fishery ownership but has a reputation for consultation work, as well as holding various high positions within many well respected organisations in the past. He is also a well known Author writing his own book as well as contributing to many angling related productions. Mark worked tirelessly with Dave and others to secure a vital humane, legal trapping option to enable the removal of otters from within fenced fisheries when needed which at its point of issue was classed as the biggest step forward for otter conservation in the 21^st century.

Graham is a wildlife photographer from Scotland that has a very special bond with the otters in his patch. His photography skills are simply outstanding but his passion, drive, determination and above all else, his knowledge of “his” otters behaviour is second to none.

Lee is the Founder of the South Wales Otter Trust (SWOT). Lee has an impressive conservation background as well as being a sought after and respected Ecologist in South Wales. His passion for the Eurasian otter and his passion to do the right things to enhance awareness, recording previously unknown areas of otter use and enhancing habitats is a story of success.