A Norfolk-based otter charity has celebrated 50 years of working with a Sri Lankan conservation group by flying 6,500 miles to meet up.

Trustees from The Otter Trust have visited Sri Lanka to recognise the work of partner organisations and individuals who have been supported by the charity over the past 49 years.

During the trip, the Otter Trust team discussed future collaboration with Sri Lankan colleagues on a wide range of freshwater conservation initiatives.

The charity aims to introduce a small research grant scheme that will be available from 2025 to mark the Otter Trust's 50th anniversary of working in the country.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Potterton, Andrew Goodall and Roger Walsh from the Otter Trust with Indika Jayatissa from the Mannar Bird ClubBen Potterton, Andrew Goodall and Roger Walsh from the Otter Trust with Indika Jayatissa from the Mannar Bird Club (Image: The Otter Trust)

Ben Potterton, a trustee of the Otter Trust said: "Unlike many other parts of Asia, Sri Lanka has managed to preserve its wildlife and habitat.

"This is predominantly due to the religious beliefs of the Buddhist people who believe that they should show kindness to wild animals.

Eastern Daily Press: A Pheasant-tailed Jacana is one of the species of bird that are commonly seen in the Sri Lankan wetlands.A Pheasant-tailed Jacana is one of the species of bird that are commonly seen in the Sri Lankan wetlands. (Image: Ben Potterman)

"All of the sites that were surveyed in 1975 still contain otters and sympathetic farming practices, which have benefited aquatic species across the island.

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"However, the otter is seldom seen and is predominantly nocturnal, presumably due to its competition with larger hunters, which include leopards and mugger crocodiles."

Eastern Daily Press: Philip Wayre at Earsham in 2007, photo by Bill DarnellPhilip Wayre at Earsham in 2007, photo by Bill Darnell (Image: Bill Darnell)

The Otter Trust's founder Philip Wayre last visited Sri Lanka in February 1975 to survey the otter population on the island.

His trip was supported by the British High Commission and the Sri Lankan Department of Zoology.

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Mr Potterton said: "We visited the pond at Hakgala, where our founder had seen otters and fishing cats, 49 years earlier.

"It was a great privilege to be walking in his footsteps in this beautiful country and to find that this site is still used by otters today."

Eastern Daily Press: The Otter Trust in Earsham, photo taken by Simon Finlay in 2003The Otter Trust in Earsham, photo taken by Simon Finlay in 2003 (Image: Simon Finlay)Eastern Daily Press: The Otter Trust in Earsham photo taken by Simon Finlay in January 2003The Otter Trust in Earsham photo taken by Simon Finlay in January 2003 (Image: Simon Finlay)

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The Otter Trust chairman Roger Walsh donated some research equipment to Mannar Bird Club to help with bird migration studies.

The studies focus on the movements of Whimbrel, European Curlew, Redshank, Ruff and Wigeon from the Arctic breeding grounds.

The Otter Trust has two nature reserves in the Waveney Valley, at Earsham and Dickleburgh. 

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Potterman at the Earsham Wetland CentreBen Potterman at the Earsham Wetland Centre (Image: Nick Butcher)