Shropshire residents encouraged to record mammal sightings for wildlife charity
People throughout Shropshire are being encouraged to look out for and record any sightings or signs of wild mammals as part of a wildlife charity survey.
This year, and for the first time in the 18-year history of the People's Trust for Endangered Species' (PTES) Living with Mammals survey, it will run throughout the whole of 2021.
Residents are asked to make note online of any mammals, or signs of mammals including footprints and droppings, seen in gardens or green spaces.
It follows a successful year in 2020, as more people were at home during lockdown and were able to take part, something PTES wants to build on.
The result was a huge increase in the number of mammal sightings, from hazel dormice on birdfeeders to hedgehogs snuffling in gardens after dark. Participation sparked a new-found appreciation, love and interest in nature for many, in all corners of the country.
PTES is keen to build on this positive relationship with nature made during 2020, which not only benefits the UK’s wildlife, but can also have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those taking part.
David Wembridge, mammal surveys coordinator at PTES, said: “Despite the challenges of 2020, one positive was the number of people seeing wild mammals more frequently, some for the first time.
"Connections with nature are so important – not only do we gain a unique insight into the lives of our wild neighbours, which is hugely beneficial for conservation, but wildlife watching and being close to nature is known to have a positive impact on our mental health too, which is needed now perhaps more than ever.”
More than 2,000 people took part in 2020, which resulted in 2,400 surveys being submitted – two and a half times more than in any other year.
The top five species most commonly recorded were grey squirrels, hedgehogs, foxes, mice and bats.
Despite being in the top five, hedgehog sightings slightly dropped from last year, from 41 per cent compared with 44 per cent in 2019.
In 2020 only 8.5 per cent of sites surveyed saw a rabbit, compared with 13 per cent in 2019 and about 25 per cent a decade ago.
David added: “We launched Living with Mammals 18 years ago. The data gathered enables us to better understand how mammal populations are faring across the UK and where conservation action is needed.
"With access to this unique long-term database of population trends, we can spot when a species is in trouble and act.”
To take part visit livingwithmammals.ptes.org
