The return of the otter

Fantastic news about otters in the Guardian today – after nearly becoming extinct they are now back in every county in England. Terry Nutkins, a friend of Gavin Maxwell who wrote the famous Ring of Bright Water, said he was “absolutely overjoyed” at the news. “They are such a beautiful species of the weasel family and part of our heritage,” he said. “It’s good news and shows that the rivers are clean and there are more people becoming involved with environmental issues.” I worked with Terry on the children’s television programme The Really Wild Show in the 1980s and know only too well how passionate he is about them. During his time with Gavin Maxwell Terry hand reared an orphan otter cub and paid a very high price, losing two fingers in the process.