Public urged to build on positive relationship with nature made during Covid lockdowns
For the first time, wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is running its Living with Mammals survey throughout all of 2021, starting this week.
PTES saw record-breaking numbers of volunteers taking part last year, thanks to more people being at home and having the time to watch wildlife in their gardens and/or nearby green spaces.
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 newfound 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’s lockdowns, 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.
A grey squirrel, one of the species seen during Living with Mammals. Credit Craige Mcgonigle
PTES is asking people to look out for and record sightings and signs of wild mammals (such as footprints and droppings) in their gardens or local green spaces throughout this year. Anyone in the UK can take part in Living with Mammals, by looking in gardens, allotments, parks and other green spaces, so whether you have hedgehogs under your hedge or even a pine marten on your patio, all sightings are valuable. To take part, visit: livingwithmammals.ptes.org
David Wembridge, Mammal Surveys Coordinator at PTES, explains: “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.”
Over 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% compared with 44% in 2019. However, the most striking result is the continued fall in reports of rabbits. In 2020 only 8.5% of sites surveyed saw a rabbit, compared with 13% in 2019 and about 25% a decade ago.
David continues: “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 in Living with Mammals 2021 (and find out how to identify different mammals, from pine martens to polecats) visit: livingwithmammals.ptes.org. And, if you’re on social media, PTES would love to see your mammal photos using #LivingWithMammals.