Building skills to monitor small mammals

On 11 September, our Senior Ecologist Nathaniel Legall, a member of the Somerset Mammal Group, led a successful small mammal monitoring training session at the National Trust’s Fyne Court. Volunteers from the Quantock Hills National Landscape joined National Trust staff and our colleagues to develop skills and share knowledge.

The session covered species identification, survey techniques and equipment, handling methods, and legal and licensing considerations. Participants gained hands-on field experience, learning to identify species, distinguish age groups and handle and release animals safely into their natural habitat.

The well-received training highlighted how partnership working can build local ecological expertise and support wildlife conservation. Nathaniel led a second session for Somerset Mammal Group members the following day, helping strengthen surveying and monitoring skills across the county.

Find out more about the Somerset Mammal Group at somersetmammalgroup.org.