The Wildest Hide & Seek
Hedgehogs are one of the animals focused on in the survey.
The trust is inviting everyone to take part in this simple survey by searching your gardens, parks or allotment for 14 ‘barometer’ species.
Everyone is encouraged to take part and survey a local public or private green space, whether or not there’s a pond, stream, bog or any other wetland nearby. You don’t need to be a wildlife expert or have a garden of your own. We just need you to spend one hour doing the survey between Friday 21 May and Monday 31 May. A guide and form is available to download at wwt.org.uk/hideandseek or free to collect from any WWT Wetland Centre.
The 14 species that are the focus of the survey include those that we wouldn’t normally think of as dependent on ponds, such as grass snake, swallow, bat as well as thrush and hedgehog. All are familiar and fairly easy to identify and they cover a range of fauna: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Over time the survey will show whether local wildlife is disappearing or moving to other areas, and the role small wetlands might be playing in providing wildlife corridors across the country.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
