The Otter Valley Association run a series of monthly talks during the winter months - usually from September to March.  We have run these mainly at Peter Hall in Budleigh Salterton, but are looking to expand to Ottery St Mary next year.  Our talks cover a range of topics from the Natural Environment to History and the heritage of the valley.  We are currently working on the 2025 schedule of talks which will be published in due course.  

Our 2024 series of talks are shown below:

• In March, David White, local naturalist, gave a compelling talk on the wildlife of the Otter Valley.  The Lower Otter Nature Reserve celebrated it’s one year anniversary in October 2024. The flora and fauna seen across this and the broader Otter valley is evolving as the tidal flow changes the habitat. New migratory species such as Osprey’s are now being observed using the local habitat while Spoonbills, Snow Buntings, Bearded Tits join the local habitat. Meanwhile the Beavers and Otters continue to enjoy the environment. David will share his perspectives on the Nature Reserve and provide a glimpse into the wonderful and changing species adapting to take advantage of this new environment. 
• David is an accomplished photographer who lives in East Budleigh. His photographs came to national prominence in 2018 when he won the competition for the BBC Countryfile 2019  calendar. A keen naturalist, David continues to amaze with his knowledge and photography.
• Please click here for a full report on this talk

• In February 2025, Stephen Powles gave a wonderful talk about Otters.  Formerly a vet, he changed career to pursue a lifelong passion for wildlife, wildlife photography, filming and conservation. His material has made a number of TV appearances. He has a keen interest in photographing and filming challenging wildlife subjects, many of which are in and close to his home. He has a special interest in otters, tawny owls, hedgehogs and hornets. He is based near Tiverton.

• In January 2025, Iorwerth (Yog) Watkins gave an incredilbe talk on how Farming practices affect the rquality of the river Otter. Iorwerth is an experienced farm advisor and catchment officer. In this advisory role Iorwerth can draw on experience gained from working for the Environment Agency, FWAG and growing up on a farm. Iorwerth has already worked on several of the farm clusters work and is currently actively involved as a technical advisor on both the Heaths to Sea and Luppitt Lands cape Recovery projects.  Being joint lead on the East Devon CaBA means Iorwerth is known by many of the stakeholders involved here and aware of how this project will fit within/alongside other active projects in this area. 
• This experience has provided him with in depth knowledge of best farm practice and the measures to address diffuse pollution as well as an appreciation of the financial and environmental benefits from the farmer’s perspective. Iorwerth has considerable experience in engaging and delivering advice to farmers through one-to-one visits, developing whole farm plans, running farming workshops and presentations to wider stakeholders including private companies, community interest groups and students. Iorwerth currently sits [amongst others] on the  following committees and steering groups; East Devon CaBA, Devon LNRS Farming Working Group, NBS / NFM Strategic Group, South West England Soils Discussion Group 

• In December 2024, John Polly told the story of how in the early 17th century a project was undertaken to bring fresh drinking water to London's expanding population and where parts of it still exist 

Are we doing enough to help nature in the climate crisis? 

• In November 2024, OVA member Olly Watts gave a compelling personal account of developing climate policy and action at the RSPB for more than twenty years, from the early climate and nature impact modelling studies, to developing approaches for how nature conservation needs to move forward in this era of change. Olly has been at the forefront of adaptation for nature at national and international levels, working with NGOs and governments. His talk will ask ‘are we doing enough, and what can we do better to help nature thrive as it faces its greatest long-term threat?’ 

Talks are open to all and the ticket cost is £4.00 for members and non-members.  

We can now accept card payments from all of the major providers.  

Please note: tickets are only on sale at the door on the night of the talk (no advance booking is available) and we have capacity limits at our main venues: 

• Peter Hall - 100
• Masonic Hall - 80.

Refreshments will be available 30 minutes before talks commence.