In 2024, we undertook two small mammal surveys with the invaluable help of Warwickshire Mammal Group and found 31 animals of 3 species. The most commonly recorded species was the wood mouse, but we also confirmed the presence of bank voles and yellow-necked miceLink opens in a new window on campus.

Dan Hall kindly led two moth surveysLink opens in a new window this year (unfortunately the third had to be cancelled due to bad weather), during which we found 48 species of moths, including this showstopper Elephant hawk-moth.

Our riverfly surveysLink opens in a new window revealed caseless caddis, mayfly, freshwater shrimp, blackfly larvae, beetles, snails, leeches, freshwater hoglouse, flatworms and Oligochaeta worms in the surveyed section of Canley Brook. This was the first year we carried out this survey and we look forward to the survey season in 2025.

The hedgehog tunnel surveys captured the footprint of hedgehogs at our Innovation Campus, although unfortunately we’re yet to have the same success at our main campus. Having said that, iNaturalistLink opens in a new window records confirm the presence of hedgehogs here as well – thanks to all citizen scientists who have been submitting their sightings!

Our amphibian and reptile surveys, initiated this year, have resulted in the sightings of common toads and common frogs, which is great news as both species are thought to be in decline in the UK.

We also undertook a number of Biodiversity Walks recording birds and fungi with the help of local enthusiasts, and encouraged individuals to get involved in some national surveys such as the Big Garden Birdwatch and the Big Butterfly Count.

What’s more, this year over 70 volunteers participated in our monthly Wednesday Warwick Wombles Litter Picks, collecting 151.7kg of litter and hereby making our campus even more wildlife-friendly.

We’re currently planning our surveys for 2025 so keep an eye on our events pagesLink opens in a new window for more details and to sign up.