A weekend of mammal discovery: My experience at a Mammal Society training course
In the lead up to this year’s National Mammal Week (21st – 27th April), NHBS was kindly invited by The Mammal Society to attend their new Mammal Identification and Ecology residential training course.
The Mammal Society is an engaging UK charity dedicated to the study and conservation of all British mammals. Founded in 1954, the organisation plays a crucial role in promoting research, education, and advocacy for mammal conservation. The Mammal Society works closely with scientists, policymakers, and the public to gather data, inform policy, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Britain's diverse mammal species. Their efforts are vital in addressing the challenges faced by mammals, including habitat loss, climate change and human activities.
A golden ticket
I was fortunate enough to receive the golden ticket for this enriching experience. Heading to the Field Studies Council’s Preston Montford activity centre, I was eager to engage with ecologists, conservationists and enthusiasts, all united by their passion for preserving the UK’s mammal population. I was also excited to gain insights into the equipment and methods used for monitoring mammals and to enhance my own identification skills.
The training course aimed to introduce participants to mammal identification skills and familiarise attendees with various monitoring methods. These skills are crucial for accurately tracking trends, population movements, and the factors influencing changes in mammal populations. With 1 in 4 UK mammals threatened by extinction, gathering detailed data is more important than ever.
The FSC’s centre, surrounded by fields, woodland, ponds and the nearby River Wye, provided an ideal backdrop for a mix of fieldwork and classroom-based learning. The presence of an evening bar makes for a most appropriate venue where course participants can exchange their thoughts and evaluations.
Diving into mammal identification
The course kicked off on Friday evening with a hands-on session preparing Longworth Small Mammal Traps. We strategically placed 40 traps in a mixed habitat area, as the more traps you put out the better the chances of catchment. We baited these with hay, seeds and blowfly pupae to attract rodents and shrews. The next morning, our efforts were rewarded with the capture of a Wood Mouse and a Common Shrew. It was fascinating to learn about the shrew’s high metabolic rate and the importance of providing food in the traps.
Additional monitoring methods included audio recording equipment, a Mammal Footprint Tunnel and an improvised close-focus trail camera trap. The overnight footage revealed some curious rabbits, adding to the excitement of our findings.
Classroom insights and field adventures
Saturday was packed with classroom sessions in a room that the Mammal Society members had kitted out with mammal skins, skulls, nests, owl pellets, droppings and publications. The afternoon session focused on herbivores, teaching us how to identify the six types of deer in the UK and recognise signs of Wild Boar presence, such as uprooted turf.
A highlight of the day was the field session, where we searched for signs of mammal activity. From tunnels through grass and soil to footprints, droppings and gnawed hazelnuts, the landscape was teeming with evidence of our furry neighbours. The evening session on carnivores was equally engaging, with discussions on the UK’s mustelids, the elusive wildcat, and controversies surrounding mammal persecution and reintroduction.
The evening concluded with a session on bats, followed by a thrilling field trip with bat detectors and thermal imaging monoculars.
Sunday morning saw us checking the results of our field monitoring equipment. The most challenging part for me was the classroom session on tracks and signs, where I struggled with a footprint quiz. Dissecting owl pellets was a unique experience, revealing a Field Vole and a Common Shrew in mine.
The final session covered sea mammals, such as dolphins, whales, and seals – after which, a weekend of comprehensive learning was rounded off with a course evaluation.
Post-event musings
The Mammal Society’s training course was an invaluable experience, combining hands-on fieldwork with insightful classroom sessions. I returned with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the UK’s mammals, as well as the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. Equally, I gained a refreshed appreciation for the profound knowledge and dedication of the members of the Mammal Society.
I also learned about some handy wildlife recording apps, such as the Mammal Society’s own Mammal Mapper and the iRecord app for any biological recording. Whether you’re a seasoned ecologist or a curious enthusiast, you’re sure to return from this training enlightened and motivated.
Mammal Society Events
The next Mammal Identification and Ecology weekend is already scheduled for September. Find more information here: Mammal Identification and Ecology – Residential Training Course (2 Nights) — Mammal Society
The Mammal Society has numerous fascinating events throughout the year. Please check out their handy overview: Upcoming events — Mammal Society
Recommended equipment for mammal identification:
Mammal trapping: Search
Trail cameras: Trail Cameras
Bat detecting and recording: Search
Thermal imaging: Search
Recommended reading:
Britain's Mammals: A Field Guide to the Mammals of Great Britain and Ireland
Europe's Sea Mammals
How to Find and Identify Mammals [Revised Edition]
Live Trapping of Small Mammals: A Practical Guide
Mammal Tracks and Signs