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About local mammal groups
Our network of local groups are vital champions and recorders of mammals in their local landscapes.
Local mammal groups bring together those with a shared enthusiasm for the local environment and the mammals within it. They work to share knowledge, raise awareness, survey, and monitor local mammals. They also provide local expertise and training in field skills, hold talks and events, and support the work of the Mammal Society.
Local Mammal Groups can vary in size and focus, depending on the interests and strengths of its members. For example a group may be made up entirely of students and/or staff at a particular university or school, and could be focused on engaging the student community and carrying out monitoring and biodiversity improvement projects on their campus. Alternatively it may be a large community of people of all ages and backgrounds coordinating a range of activities and projects to benefit mammals across an entire county. Given the potential for different approaches, it may be that several Local Mammal Groups can operate in one area, working on different projects that compliment each other, and they might occasionally collaborate on certain initiatives such as a presence at a county show or a programme of local public engagement events and communications in National Mammal Week.
How do local groups link to the Mammal Society?
We aim to galvanise interest in mammals and mammal recording across the United Kingdom to build a community of mammal enthusiasts equipped to play a key role in protecting and restoring mammal populations locally and nationally.
The Mammal Society can support Local Mammal Groups by providing expert knowledge to inform activities and interpret findings, guidance and practical support for surveying, and support in identifying and delivering local projects that benefit mammals. The Mammal Society can also provide advice and support for fundraising, campaigning, event management, communications and press engagement.
Local Mammal Groups are the eyes and ears on the ground that can help the Mammal Society identify and address priority issues in mammal conservation. Local efforts have a nationwide impact and ensure that insight into local mammal populations and habitats is available to support informed research findings and conservation practices. All Local Mammal Groups are invited to send a representative to the quarterly Local Mammal Group Committee meetings, to receive an update on Mammal Society activities and projects, hear about any guidance and opportunities for local groups, and feed into key decisions around Mammal Society priorities and plans.
Local Mammal Groups also play a key role in bringing key information and messages about the importance of mammals and the issues that threaten their survival to wider and more diverse audiences, strengthening the Mammal Society’s ability to influence policy and practice in pursuit of a brighter future for mammals across the British Isles. The outreach and engagement activities of Local Mammal Groups can boost awareness, financial support and membership for the Mammal Society, which in turn can help the Mammal Society resource and support the activities of Local Mammal Groups.
Benefits of being an affiliated Local Mammal Group
Free training in mammal survey techniques, fieldcraft and other mammal conservation skills
Access to free equipment loan scheme
Mammal Society insurance cover for Local Mammal Group activities
Access to Mammal Society experts for advice, information and insight
Official Local Mammal Group logo (coming soon)
Listing on Mammal Society website to provide a point of contact for interested people in your region
Concessionary rate for Mammal Society membership for all members of Local Group
Two free places per region at the Mammal Society Annual Conference, and reduced tickets for additional attendees
A place on the Local Mammal Groups Committee
Updates on mammals and research via our member’s magazine Mammal News
Local Groups e-bulletin to keep you up-to-date on news from other groups as well as Mammal Society updates and opportunities
Access to knowledge of ongoing mammal projects in your area and ones at a national level