Course Selector
Home is where the holt is: Usk otters have a new home thanks to Coleg Gwent students.
Coleg Gwent students have been helping a local otter population to feel more at home by creating an otter holt on the banks of the Berthyn Brook, near Coleg Gwent’s Usk Campus.
Environmental conservation students gathered, measured and cut hazel, reed and alder to create an underground home of corridors and chambers, so that otters could rest, sleep or even nest with their young cubs.
Course tutor Chris Carey said: “Otter populations in the UK have been affected due to threats of habitat destruction, pollution and river bank erosion, so this is a practical way to help them thrive.
“It’s been one of our favourite tasks so far this year, and the group have shown excellent planning, problem solving and teamwork to get the holt suitably located for any passing otter.”
Countryside management student Anthony Tomkins said: “It’s been a great project. The holt that we constructed provides a safe and secure habitat for the otters along the Berthyn Brook.”
From 30 April-3 May students will be helping to organise Coleg Gwent’s annual Countryside Experience week; a four day event which sees hundreds of local primary school children visit Usk Campus farm to learn about the countryside.
For more information about courses at Coleg Gwent, contact 01495 333333, or email info@coleggwent.ac.uk.
 |
|
Coleg Gwent, The Rhadyr, Usk NP15 1XJ | Tel: +44 (0)1495 333333 | Email: info@coleggwent.ac.uk Coleg Gwent is committed to equal opportunities for all. College Policy | Data Protection | Welsh Language Scheme | Feedback| Accessibility |