Living with Mammals survey

Towns and cities are busy, noisy places, but it’s here that most of us live and encounter nature day-to-day. We know the importance of connecting to nature for our own health and wellbeing, and by monitoring wild mammals, it gives us an indication of the ‘green health’ of our communities. So whether it’s hedgehogs under your hedge, squirrels in your school grounds or even a pine marten on your patio, take part in Living with Mammals.

Why count urban mammals?

Urban green spaces, and the wildlife they support, are important: they provide food, clean air and water, and they make us healthier and happier. Counting our wild neighbours, and knowing how numbers are changing, tells us about the health of these green spaces.

Whether in a garden, an allotment, a local park or churchyard, telling us what you see helps us build a bigger picture of the wildlife on our doorstep, and tells us when a species is in trouble. Without the help of thousands of wildlife watchers like yourself, we wouldn’t have known that urban hedgehog numbers had fallen by a third in less than 20 years and acted to help them.

How do I take part?

To take part, all you have to do is make note of the mammals that you see each week or the signs they might leave behind, such as droppings or footprints.

You can choose any green space to survey: a garden, an allotment, a local park, or another area that’s convenient to spend a little time in each week. The only requirement is that the site must be within 200 metres of a building.

We’d love as many people to take part as possible—every record counts!

Even if you don’t spot anything, please tell us that you looked, and don’t forget to share your photos online with #LivingWithMammals.

Image credit Paul Bunyard