Six months to save otter rescue charity
Dave Webb, founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust
The wildlife charity has been given just six months to dismantle and move its otter centre; with an estimated £15,000 needed to safeguard current cubs and rebuild on a new North Devon site
The UK Wild Otter Trust (UKWOT) has been told to leave the land near Kings Nympton where its rescue and rehabilitation centre currently operates, triggering an urgent appeal for £15,000 to cover the costs of dismantling, moving, and rebuilding essential facilities.
Founder and CEO Dave Webb confirmed that on September 18th, he received four months’ notice to leave his residential home and six months’ notice to dismantle and move all otter centre materials, animals, and associated equipment. The organisation must also restore the land to its original paddock condition as part of its agreement.
“To say we are shocked is an understatement,” said Dave Webb. “Breaking down the centre, which includes 20 otter enclosures and our otter hospital, will take time. It took almost four years to build to the high standard we need to deliver our work.”
Despite the setback, UKWOT has secured a vital lifeline. A supporter has generously offered a new site in North Devon, where the charity plans to rebuild. However, establishing and equipping the new location, while simultaneously decommissioning the existing site, presents significant logistical and financial challenges.
“In the meantime, we need funds in the bank to keep operating, to feed the cubs currently in our care and to cover essential bills such as electricity, water and other running costs,” Dave said. “We estimate the total cost of moving, demolishing and rebuilding will be around £15,000. If we do not meet this target, the UK Wild Otter Trust will not survive. Years of work could be lost.”
Dave continued, “I have been dedicated to otters since 1998 when I first formed the UK Wild Otter Trust. To know the rehabilitation centre will be gone within six months is devastating to all involved. I am grateful for the space the landlords have afforded us over the last four years, but it is still devastating to be told to leave after such longstanding reassurances that we were safe. I truly thought we had struck gold living so close to where Tarka the Otter was filmed and having access to the land for the centre. That adds an extra sting.”
He emphasised the charity’s ethos, “We remain entirely volunteer-run. None of us takes a wage. Every pound donated goes to the animals and the work itself. We will, of course, ensure that all otters currently in care are the priority, as usual, and we will overcome this with your help.”
“This is no small task, and I know it is a big ask,” Dave said. “But my priority, as always, is the cubs. Please, dig deep and help us protect the UK’s otters and save our charity.”
How the public can help:
Donate to the emergency appeal: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-save-our-otter-charity
About the UK Wild Otter Trust
The UK Wild Otter Trust is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned otters, public education and conservation advocacy across the UK. Founded by Dave Webb, the Trust’s centre serves as a lifeline for dozens of cubs annually and a hub for responsible, science-led rehabilitation.
