Citizen Science: How to conduct a Small Mammal Survey
Citizen science is when the public contributes to scientific research - you could be a species expert, or just someone with an interest. In 2024 Bore Place are offering is a series of FREE training sessions to learn to survey for our six key indicator species in a friendly and relaxed group setting. From there, you can then look to take on regular or ad-hoc voluntary surveys at Bore Place, to contribute meaningful data to our work.
- 5 Oct 2024
- 9:00am - 12:00pm
- Bore Place
How to conduct a small mammal survey
Why are dormice a useful indicator species?
The small mammal survey focus is on dormice as they are slow breeders and depend on well-connected habitat to disperse. They can be negatively impacted by changes in woodland management, agricultural practices, and loss of hedgerows. They are usually monitored through licenced survey methods, including nest box checks, which means you can only do this if you are a registered licence holder. Whilst these checks are carried out regularly at Bore Place, this session will demonstrate the use of footprint tunnels to monitor these species, which does not require a licence. We will also be undertaking a survey of other small mammal species on site (mice, voles, and shrews) using Longworth traps.
This training session is one of Bore Place scheduled surveys – so by the end of the session, you’ll already have contributed data to Bore Place research.
Places are limited for each training session and must be pre-booked. Please book here to let us know you’re coming.
If the session is fully booked, please join the waiting list as Bore Place may be able to offer another training session in response to demand.
Important info
- Over 18s only.
- Dress for the weather and in clothes you don’t mind getting mucky – all training sessions are practical and will be outside.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable boots or wellies.
- Feel free to bring water and snacks with you.
- Sorry, no dogs are permitted with the exception of service animals.