I think it's fair to say that the last small mammal survey in 2024 was a resounding success, as we found animals in 18 of our 21 Longworth traps - making it a new record for us.

Once again, we were fortunate enough to have the expertise of the Warwickshire Mammal Group who set up the traps filled with a large variety of food items to cater for the needs of all species likely to occur in the area, and hay for warmth.

On 16th October, after a rather wet night, with Tanya Carey's (Green Champion and Warwickshire Mammal Group member, trained and licenced to handle small mammals) lead we discovered a lot of well-fed small furries, some of which were rather reluctant to say goodbye to their comfortable night shelter.

We found 16 wood mice, one bank vole and a yellow-necked mouse - the latter being the first recorded on campus! Most of the wood mice were rather lively and we saw some breathtaking acrobatics any Olympian would be envious of, while the bank vole was happy to pose for pictures.

Although this was the last small mammal survey this year, fear not - the Sustainability Team organise a variety of surveys, walks, talks, litter picks and other engagement eventsLink opens in a new window both staff and students can take part in.