Healthy signs of mammal inhabitants on Washlands
A SURVEY of small mammals on Burton’s Washlands has come back with positive results.
Around 40 humane traps were set by conservation volunteers over a weekend last month. It produced a tally of 14 wood mice, which pleased organisers as it represented a 35 per cent recovery rate, when the average would have been 10 per cent, or four of the creatures.
Members of Staffordshire Small Mammal were among those who took part in the event, with society member Derek Crawley leading a walk to identify the mammals that were found.
A spokesman for the survey said: “We were not surprised that the tally was all wood mice, as they are more inquisitive than others. Also, being a tree dweller, they would have a better chance of survival in a flood plain.”
The survey also found evidence of badgers digging for worms alongside the path near St Peter’s Bridge and the nests of four harvest mice were also found.
Summing up the survey, the spokesman said: “A positive result, showing a healthy population of small mammals in the area, suggesting that the area is worth developing further.”
The Burton and District group of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has organised at talk at All Saints’ Church, Branston Road, Burton, on Tuesday that people are invited to attend. Entitled Love and War – How We Created our Garden Birds, the talk, which starts at 7.30pm, will be given by Kevin Reynolds. Admission is £3.50, with children going free. Fairtrade refreshment will be available.
For more information, call 01283 537074.