Help with mammal survey

Volunteers are needed to record the number wild mammals seen in gardens or local green spaces. It is part of the Living with Mammals annual survey by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). This study relies on the public to help between now and the end of June by choosing a site close to their home or place of work and spending a short time each week looking out for wild mammals or the signs they leave behind. Volunteers can record their sightings online or via paper forms. David Wembridge, surveys officer at PTES, said: “Living with Mammals provides a nationwide picture of how wildlife is faring in our towns and cities. “Recording wildlife and tracking how numbers are changing is key to ongoing efforts to conserve it.” Last year, grey squirrels were recorded at seven out of every 10 sites (69.4%), making them the survey’s most commonly reported wild mammal. But grey squirrels are just one of the 28 wild mammal species that have been recorded. Over the survey’s 15-year history, mammal sightings range from smaller species such as wood mice, water voles and hedgehogs, to much larger species including deer, badgers, foxes and otters. Mr Wembridge said: “The natural world is never far away from us, even in towns and cities. “The presence of wild mammals is a positive sign of the health of these spaces and while it may not be commonplace to see some of these species, we can still find a surprising number.” To take part in the survey, register online at www.ptes. org/living-with-mammals/