How to conduct a small mammal survey
Why are dormice a useful indicator species?
Our small mammal 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 our scheduled surveys - so by the end of the session, you'll already have contributed data to our research. Whilst your time is hugely valuable to us, taking part in any of our trainings and surveys will give you useful experience you can use elsewhere, too.
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 we 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.
This training session is FREE thanks to funding support from the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme
