Danny the Dernford Otter's page

Welcome to the page for Danny, Dernford's resident otter.

There is a statue of Danny near the entrance where he stands watching the flag, waiting for his chance to salute as the flag is unfurled to signal the start of another camp. Evidence of otters have been found on the site and we await photographic evidence of these elusive visitors, but until then we just have their territory marking scat with its distinctive shape, colour and smell to go by. Otters are increasing in numbers in the upper reaches of the Cam, and we hope that Dernford will be a safe haven for them from the terrors of fast cars and barking dogs as they dine on the myriad of fish in Dernmere and the Lode

Danny is of course the keeper of the Order of the Otter, a rarefied order of those worthy of the title. On Dernmere, the big lake in the middle of the campsite, is an island. On the island is a plastic slide, for sliding back into the lake down. Hanging under the slide is a bell. Ring the bell and you are eligible for The Order of the Otter. It doesn't matter whether you kayak over there, swim, build a raft of a massive bridge or hit it with something; just ring the bell.

Some cubs and scouts choose to leave an offering to Danny, whether that be a cardboard fish or berries, flowers and leaves collected from the site.

Below is a gallery of Danny the Dernford Otter wearing the neckers of groups staying at Dernford

Why not add a photo of him wearing your group's necker. Email a photo to

Danny the Dernford Otter on his ceremonial plinth


Danny the Dernford Otter sporting a 28th Cambridge necker duing their camp


Danny the Dernford Otter sporting a 25th Peterborough (Paston) necker


Danny the Dernford Otter sporting a 57th Cambridge (Fulbourn) necker