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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
- Close
- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // International Women’s Day 2020: Rachel Findlay-Robinson

International Women’s Day 2020: Rachel Findlay-Robinson

Hazel-dormouse-in-Briddlesford-Woods---Isle-of-Wight.jpg-credit-Clare-Pengelly

Planning for future dormouse conservation in the face of climate change

Fluctuations in weather patterns, caused by climate change, are affecting hibernators worldwide so Rachel hopes to determine if and how climatic variation affects dormouse hibernation patterns.

How did you come to lead your conservation team?

I couldn’t find a PhD project that combined my interests in hibernation and conservation, so I came up with my own! I approached my supervisor Dr. Davina Hill (formerly of the University of Cumbria, now at the University of Glasgow) and together we wrote a project proposal and applied for funding from the University of Cumbria. I am the first researcher at the university to work on hazel dormice, which is both exciting and, at times, challenging!

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Planning a whole PhD project from scratch has been challenging, but also incredibly exciting as I have been able to control the precise direction of the project. Dealing with the legislation and licencing surrounding working with hazel dormice, as a protected species, has also been a steep learning curve!

What has been your biggest achievement in the field in the past year?

I am very proud of being awarded funding by the PTES to carry out my hibernation fieldwork, after almost a year of planning and carrying out field trials. Also, being invited to talk about my project at the National Dormouse conference last year!

What would you say to aspiring women who want a future in conservation?

Keep going! There will be set-backs, and there will be times when you don’t think that you can, or should, continue on your path. Don’t give up and you will get there!

View Rachel’s project

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