GETTING MILEAGE OUT OF ROADKILL

This July, Mammals Trust UK (MTUK) hits the road once again. “The summer is traditionally a peak time for road travel, as families and friends head off on holiday,” explains Chief Executive Jill Nelson. “Mammals Trust UK is looking to involve as many motorists as possible in our survey, which will help us to monitor mammals across the UK, providing vital information to focus future conservation efforts.”

Launched in 2001, the survey, Mammals on Roads, runs from July to September and asks for volunteers to record numbers of mammals they see, both alive and dead, on stretches of single carriageway roads during journeys of twenty miles or more. Sad as it is to see dead mammals on our roads, numbers have been shown to reflect the number of living animals in an area, so tracking changes provides information on where populations are in trouble and there is a need to focus conservation efforts.  Past results have suggested that hedgehog populations are falling, particularly in the eastern half of England. MTUK is keen to find out if this trend is continuing, so that conservation measures can be put in place in future. “Every year that this survey continues, we get further insights into how all of our mammal species are faring, so it is critical that we involve as many volunteers as possible,” adds Jill Nelson. “Hopefully, it will also provide members of the public with a practical way to get involved in conservation and to learn about our nation’s natural heritage.”

Those interested in taking part in this exciting survey or who would like to find out more can call MTUK on 020 7498 5262 or email mor@mtuk.org. Further information and downloadable forms can be found on MTUK’s website – www.mtuk.org.

Alice Henchley Mammals Trust UK