OTTERS have made a welcome return to Salisbury.

Kieran Smith captured the rare sighting on film last Thursday morning after spotting a otter swimming in the river which runs beside Churchill Gardens.

The Journal has received a number of reports of otters being seen in that area.

Kieron said: "I had heard that they were about but not met anyone who had seen one. I was totally amazed to see it and felt privileged as they are shy creatures. It just proves that the water quality has improved to support their food source.

"This is the first time I have seen one in the wild and hope to see more in the future. This particular site is clearly a good hunting ground for them, let's hope they remain undisturbed."

Churchill Gardens is owned by Salisbury City Council.

Salisbury City Cllr Michael Pope said it was "positive" news for the city: "It is wonderful they are able to come back. It is all good news for the wildlife in Churchill Gardens and the area — it is a wonderful thing. We should all try and make the areas cleaner where wildlife can flourish."

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust says there have been several sightings of them swimming in the lakes at its Langford Lakes reserve near Wilton.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Otters were almost wiped out in the UK during the middle of last century because of pollution and hunting.

"It’s a sign of a healthy river that we’re starting to see them reappear. If you catch sight of one it’s a real privilege as, not only are they very shy, they are still extremely rare in Wiltshire.”

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is encouraging readers to report any sightings to the Wiltshire & Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC) which can be done through the trust's website at wiltshirewildlife.org

Have you seen the otters? Send your pictures and videos to newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk