Staffordshire Mammal Group

19th October 2008

2009-03-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

Unfortunatly the deer rut was cancelled but 4 people did turn up at 8.00am in the mist and rain to find only a few signs of deer in the area and no sounds of the rut.

At 10am we meet for the real event small mammal traping at Rudyard lake.

A good turn out including 7 new members attracted by newpaper articles.

The live trapping found mostly wood mice and bank voles and we all discovered that wood mice really swim as those released jumped into the nearby brook and swam across to find cover!

August 2008 -Aqualate Mere

2009-03-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Aqualate mere was run as an extra event from Natural England. There was a guided walk whilst small animal traps were prepared. A real highlight was seeeing an Otter at 1pm from the hide.

Afterwards the traps revealed 18 out 40 traps had caught 5 speices wood mouse field vole bank vole and common shrew plus 4 rare yellow necked mice (see picture) also being caught.

The 61 members of the public who saw all of this really made the day.

24th August 2008 - Dormice at Hell Wood

2009-03-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

9 SMG members but only 1 licence holder joined 9 National Trust Holiday makers (Acorn camp on Dormice conservation) to survey the 210 boxes in the wood.

Only 2 dormice were found one on either side of the wood with nests found more on the left then right. 2 new nests were found at the top of the wood showing the dormice have expanded in to that area.

Pygmy shrews were found in serveral boxes ( photo) but no wood mice were seen.

The NT Volunteers went on to make 100 boxes 30 of which will replace the rotten and mising boxes from the wood. the remaining boxes will be put up to find out were else the dormice are expanding to.

23rd July 2008 - Pill Box Update

2009-03-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

It took 10 people from 7 - 11.30 to finish the pill box. Its a great achievement for the mammal group to take on the task and it was great for people to respond to the challenge.
Thank you very much to everyone who was involve

20th July - Pill Box Conservion

2009-03-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

6 people worked hard to clear out and internally modify the box for bats. Unfortunately they run out of time to sealing all the windows and the doorway. We hope to finish the work latter in the week

The pictures show new roost structures that the group created

17th July 2008 - Dormice at Loggerheads

2009-03-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

A good start in dry weather after another wet day, 7 people managed to check the main woodlands at cowlease wood by 9.15pm, unfortunatley not finding any evidence of dormice. So with plenty of light left in the sky we split to check the 2 smaller woods.

It might have been light out side wood but trying to find boxes and see whats inside was avery different matter in heavy canopy wood land.

The last box I checked had hazel nuts in but itt was to dark to see them clearly expect by flash on checking these the next day some of them had been eaten by dormice. So they are using the boxes sometimes!

The next check will be in September

5th July 2008

2008-07-05T02:58:00.000-07:00

We were looking forward to spend a day searching for scat with the VWT but heavy rain a few days before and on the morning meant that we were not going to find any scat and so we just checked the local boxes in Oakenmoor wood. Despite this we did find one dropping which was collected in the correct way and that will be sent off for DNA analysis ( see Photo).

The most recent scat survey from February 08 found 3 foxes, 2 stoats and 2 otters via DNA. The otters near Alton towers were quite some distance from any water. Thus, DNA is helping us to get extra records even if we did not find any pine martens that time. We hope to try again for another pine marten scat day soon - so watch the forum and those emails. Last but not least we did find a squirrel nest and dead animal in one of the Pine marten boxes (see photo).

2nd July 2008

2008-07-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

This evening we checked Dormouse boxes. We tried this last year and had no problems with the event but this year a big black cloud caught us out while we were trying to find the last few boxes in the wood in the dark ( see photo). We managed to find just 1 dormouse there but were pleased to find another male in 40 Acre wood. Some pipistrelle bats were observed once we had left the wood.

21st June 2008

2008-06-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

Today we checked Dormouse boxes at Hell wood again. A very wet start made us consider cancelling the check due to slippery conditions but with 14 people and 6 lience holders (a record?!) we decided to go ahead and since we had so many people we were in the wood less time, fell over less, and still managed to find 3 torpid male Dormice. That is not a bad start to the Dormouse year!

17th May 2008

2008-05-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

only a few of us managed to make it up to LM, but we all saw impressive displays by an Osprey of how not to catch fish. The spraint evidence told us that otters were using the area and so we sat in the lower hide as dusk approached. At 10pm one of us saw a wake in the centre of the pool and an otter appeared in rough water, it quickly swam away to the left and through the gap towards the public hide. Sadly, we were able to watch it for about 5 minutes only. We left the hide at about 10.30 but with the surrounding fields lighted by moon light not much was revealed, except being buzzed by bats on the path back. We returned to the hide for 3am and there was just enough light to see wakes on the water - however, they were caused by ducks rather than otters. At 3.45am we noticed a wake by the near left edge; we then saw an otter surface before it moved behind the nearby iris Island. We left the hide to full sun light at 5.30 to watch red and roe deer in the fields.

15th May 2008

2008-05-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we got together for our Dormouse AGM. As per usual we discussed our Dormouse surveys from the previous year and the plan for future ones. Overall we appear to find a decline in the numbers of Dormice or the number of nests that we find when compared to previous years. However, whether this means a decline in the Dormouse population in general cannot be discerned from our current data. We also discussed the possible inclusion of new sites and we have decided to use some plastic tubes alongside our usual wooden boxes to see which kind of artificial home Dormice prefer. It looks like there are quite a few sites where we will stop carrying out surveys as of the end of this year. This is due to not having found signs of Dormice for several years in those areas. Last but not least we discussed Dormouse Licenses, which one needs in order to be allowed to handle those wonderful mammals. There are many sites to check, so better stop chatting, blogging and the like, put some boots on, grab the gear and get checking. Hoping to see you at one of our events soon. Check out our calendar on the main group website for more information.

07th of May 2008

2008-05-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

This evening we met at Tittesworth Water Reservoir. Derek had placed traps in the ground in the hope of catching some moles alive. When digging out the traps, however, we were able to see the evidence of how cunning moles can be. One particular exemplar managed to avoid 4 traps that had been placed along its route. The group then proceeded to a different area on the site to look for evidence of moles in tall grass. We managed to identify a nice sized tunnel system that was impressive in its length and variation of depth. Having used thin sticks to trace the tunnel system we then moved on to listen, identify and catch glimpses of the local bat population. To our surprise we managed to observe a Daubenton's bat in daylight which is rather unusual for this species as they normally do not come out until it has gone dark. All in all a really informative and enjoyable evening.

20th April 2008

2008-04-28T01:52:00.000-07:00

Good turn out of 10 on weekend looking first at field signs and seeing water voles at the leisure centre. We then split into smaller groups and checked sites up and down the valley; and although some sites were empty of recent activity others showed evidence of strong populations. Later on we re grouped for feed back and the last group was able to watch a early flight of a bat ( pip) at 4,30pm. Summer is on the way.

16th March 2008: Brown Hare Survey

2008-03-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

The group was happy to welcome 2 new members. 7 people came out on the hare survey, and 2 sites were checked. The morning revealed nothing, however, half the group were lucky enough to find 10 hares in the afternoon and some minor boxing was seen.

All in all, a good day was had by all

18th November 2007: Warwickshire Moor

2007-11-19T02:28:00.000-08:00

someone stole the bedding ;o)

The area being examined today was under 4ft of water during the summer, and produced a larger number of mammals than expected, however quite of few of them were young mammals. It rained most the night and most of the morning, but still 10 members braved the weather! The third trap of the day produced both a wood mouse and a bank vole together (this is only the second time this has been found in Staffordshire) Something was trying to foil the mammal groups trapping efforts and 4 traps had materials blocking the entrance tunnel, although no mammal or poo was found. Several other traps had been turned over on their roofs. One trap ( A Longworth) had been separated from it tunnel and all the bedding has been removed. A case of revenge of the mammals? It just goes to show that we keep learning, and are still trying to figure out what small mammals get up to each day

21st October 2007: Deer Rut

2007-10-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

9 members successfully found the locked venue! This included 2 new members. The early morning start was important, as it meant that the group missed the other recreational users e.g. dog walkers.

Local intelligence had informed us of 3 deaths of the mature stags in the area, so the group was not sure what would be found in this area.

2 harems were found, one containing 17 hinds and one with 8. Both stags were young animals, with poor sets of antlers, as can be seen in the photograph.

In another area, a much better stag was seen with a smaller number of hinds. It will be interesting to see if more mature stags move into the area in the near future. The group was privileged to get close views of the deer.

20th October 2007: Hell Wood Dormouse Survey

2007-10-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

An excellent turnout, with 8 members attending this extra session. 4 of these brave souls were new to the wood, and found out to their peril just how steep Hell actually is. Unfortunately for the only license holder present (Derek) we went around as one whole group with Derek running up and down between the rows. Overall 2 female dormice were found, one with two juveniles. 7 other nests were found, showing good coverage of the wood. Alongside the dormice over 20 woodmice were found, with 7 in one box alone. One member found a dormice box at the beginning of the day, took it up all his rows, looked after it during lunch, however then disaster struck. His box partner accidentally knocked the box, it rolled down the hill never to be seen again.

19th August 2007: Deep Hayes Country Park

2007-08-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

This was a mammal group meeting of extremes - an extreme catch rate in the morning, and extreme weather in the afternoon. 12 people met at Deep Hayes Park in nice, dry conditions. They then checked the 40 traps which had been put out the night before. Amazingly 31 traps had visitors! The majority were wood mice (22) mostly male. 9 Bank voles were found and 1 common shrew. The strangest find of the morning was that one trap had two occupants, a wood mouse and bank vole. The ranger informed us of possible roe deer sightings, so the group set out looking for them. However, the heavens opened, so very few field signs were visible, and no deer paths were found either. The soaking wet group returned home to dry off! The habitat in the park appears to be good for harvest mice, so a return trip in the winter will be beneficial.

8th July 2007: Memorial Arboretum

2007-07-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

9 people took part in the last event for national mammal week small mammal trapping at The National Memorial Arboretum. 40 Longworth traps had been set the night before and although most of the site had been under water from the floods we managed to catch 10 wood mice—mostly adult males, 5 bank voles and 1 common shrew. Nearly every body had a go at handling. In the afternoon a walk round the rest of the site found evidence of foxes, otters and badgers as well as 5 hares. Moles were present on site having managed to stay on dry ground but little evidence of field voles which we imagine suffered dramatically from the floods.

4th July 2007: Knypersley

2007-07-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

Lots of people braved the weather and met at Knypersley. The adventure started before the meeting with members having to drive (or swim) through a flood! Unfortunately due the rain there were no mammal signs to be seen, so we had a walk around the lake waiting for dark. 4 members managed to find a large badger set on the side of a hill. At dusk, out came the detectors, and the bats. Daubentons, Common and Soprano pips were observed leaving the tower. Later, on the bridge, the group got excellent close ups of bats flying over and under head!

23rd June 2007: Dormouse check

2007-06-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

An extra programme event called by Derek Crawley who oversees these woods for Dormice. Good turn out of 13 people but only one license holder so we generally had to stay close together. Weather threatened rain which luckily never occurred. Nearly 200 boxes across 4 woods were checked in the Loggerheads area - 40 acre and Cowlease being the main ones. Since these woods do have wild populations in them each box gives that thrill of "might contain a dormouse". However, it normally produced an old bird's nest, many of which had dead fledglings in them; a few had wood mice and just 1 box had a dormouse which was in a moss nest. 2 other nests were found but were determined to be old ones.

17th June 2007: Chase water

2007-06-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

The group placed some traps, but unfortunately due to the rain there was a low number of mammals out and about. Nonetheless, Common Shrew and Field Vole were found. In the afternoon the group set out deer tracking. There was evidence found of Red deer fawns being left in thick vegetation, with the Mum jumping the fence to feed it. The group did not look for the fawn as it would cause disturbance. Not to worry though, this is quite a normal thing for red deer to do with their fawns!

6th June 2007: Dormouse check

2007-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

An excellent turnout at Loggerheads, Burntacres Wood, to check the dormouse boxes there. Unfortunately the dormice were not at home and we did not find any. A number of blue-tit nests were found, however, this year most of them contained dead fledglings which was very sad. On the bright side one box did contain a clutch of live fledglings, who did look rather confused when the roof was opened!

nobody home :(

20th May 2007: Hell Wood

2007-05-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Our first visit of the year to the infamous Hell wood by the Manifold Valley. The site is very steep and it resulted in its normal number of falls, curses and bumps. However, 9 dormice were found in 7 boxes, with this year more being found on the left hand side; normally the right side has the most. As ever the day was followed by fantastic cake :)

15th April: Building an Otter Holt

2007-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

A lovely day for outdoor work. The group was working on a new design of an otter holt - the organic version. You need to dig a hole, with two tunnels coming off. Place about 30 stakes all around the outside. Plant and weave the willow around the stakes. Then weave the willow across to make a dome! Easy!

So the group got to work, digging, chopping (the willow branches have to come from somewhere), weaving and rowing! We built the holt on an island so we had to transport everything across the lake! All in all a successful day and a new otter holt has been made in Staffordshire. Now we just have to wait for the Otters to make it their home.

21st January 2007: Red Squirrels

2007-01-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, the seals at Donna Nook had left, so instead 10 of us headed off to mid-Wales to see Red Squirrels.

It was a cold January day, but the group got an excellent close up sighting of a squirrel building its drey.

14th January 2007: Harvest Mice Survey

2007-01-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

A couple of us braved the January weather and undertook a survey at Whitfield Local Nature reserve, the only one in Stoke-on-Trent.

Harvest mice nests were found in two separate areas. Other evidence was found for mole, fox, badger, rabbit, field vole.

10th December 2006

2006-12-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

An excellent turn-out for our annual Christmas walk. A general survey of the area around Hollington was carried out. We found tracks of various mammals including badger and fox. The group also managed to see some wild boar, which are farmed in the area.

19th November 2006: Burton Wash

2006-11-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Lawernce Oates Local Countryside Ranger for setting out the traps the night before. 4 wood mice were caught, all of which were young animals born this season. Entertainment was provided by a wood mouse climbing on group members whilst showing local people wood mice up close. One in particular jumped from the arm of one to the head of another before jumping to the ground. Exciting was the good number of harvest mice nests found on the site for the very first time. Nests were found in colts foot grass tussocks as well as the normal reed carney grass.

The afternoon saw the group checking out the rest of the site finding a lot of otter sprain some mink droppings, foot prints of rat, a lot more Harvest mouse nests and one member even saw a fox up close .

21st October 2006: Cowlease Woods

2006-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

This was a very successful day in the woods near Loggerheads. In one wood we found dormice with young and in others we found several adult dormice. The new boxes installed earlier in the year do not seem to have made much impact with animals using either of the boxes (old or new) on the same tree. Numbers from box evidence increased this year overall. Furthermore, we had a chance to get some people more training for their dormouse license.

One dormouse got out of the box before it could be captured, allowing us a brief moment to observe it in its natural habitat. Can you spot it on the picture?

15th October 2006: Cannock Chase Deer Rut

2006-10-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

20 members met at 8 am on an overcast windy day and walked out to the known rutting stands of Fallow deer. Some activity was observed via field signs, but no deer was heard or seen. Thus we expanded the search area using local knowledge (other words—horse riders that we met). Finally we heard and followed two bucks calling and eventually managed to see three bucks and associated does briefly. The last sighting of roaring bucks was at about 11 am. In the early afternoon we moved across to Georges Hayes Nature Reserve looking for Red deer rutting. However, no animals were seen and there was only minimal evidence of rutting but lots of field signs of deer present.

17th September 2006: Hell Wood

2006-09-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent turnout for Hell’s wood this year and managed to check both sides of the wood and found 5 live dormice, one female even had pinkies in her nest. On top of the live sightings we had evidence of dormice in a further 10 boxes.

After not having seen any live woodmice this year we were all excited to finally find 2 in the dormouse boxes at the Manifold valley. Another curious sighting was a pygmy shrew without a tail.

We had the usual selection of screams, falls and thorns (with Derek totting up the most falls), all of this was followed by fantastic chocolate fudge cake at the local café. Hmmmmmmmm.

6th September 2006: SMG Social Evening

2006-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

We all gathered at Wolseley Wildlife Centre to review our past, present and future activities. Furthermore, we got a glimpse of the upcoming Staffordshire Mammal Atlas. One highlight of the evening was the award ceremony for the Rosy Challenge which was won with an impressive 156 points.

2nd August 2006: Loynton Moss Mammal Survey

2006-08-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

This was the first time SMG visited this wonderful site. Therefore we did a general exploration of the area, which comprises a good mix of different habitats. We found evidence of rabbit, fox, and woodmice. Whilst exploring the site we found large badger sets and some of us were fortunate enough to see a female badger clearing her run. On the way back we followed the canal, bat detectors at the ready and identified several species of bat; including Daubentons, Natterers, Soprano and Common Pipistrelle.