Educational Adventures: School Visits and Scout Sessions: Month Two of the University Mammal Challenge

Blog written By Rebekah Gibbins- Member of the Lincoln Imps

It’s been a very busy second month of the University Mammal Challenge for my team and I, we’ve walked 20 transects, done 12 camera surveys, downloaded almost 1,500 videos and images from our camera traps, completed 32 footprint tunnel surveys, hosted an owl pellet dissection event and hosted a bat talk and detection event, but that’s not all. 

Our Owl Pellet Dissection Event was a Hoot! PC: Lincoln Imps

To celebrate British Science Week, Georgie and I visited a local primary school. We gave an assembly to around 200 students aged 5-7 explaining the importance of mammals, we did a short quiz where they had to name the mammal on the screen (which they were amazing at) and then showed them some videos of mammals we’ve captured on our camera traps around our university campus while taking part in UMAC. We then explained other ways we were recording mammals on campus, like footprint tunnels, we showed them how they work and had some examples of prints you’re likely to find left in the tunnels. .

Becky (left) and Georgie (right) getting ready to give the assembly talk. PC: Lincoln Imps

They enjoyed the talk so much; we were asked to go back the following week to make some footprint tunnels with some of the younger students. We made 5 footprint tunnels and put them around the school grounds and should be going back to help them identify any prints. Georgie and I were so impressed with the students’ knowledge, and it was such a pleasure to see how enthusiastic and engaged the next generation is when it comes to looking after our planet.

Becky helping some students make a footprint tunnel. PC: Lincoln Imps

Later in the month, the whole team visited a local scout group and ran two sessions with their Beavers (aged 6-8) and Cubs (aged 8-10½).

The Lincoln Imps (left to right: Sam, Tom, Lucy, Georgie and Becky) ready for their Scout visit. PC: Lincoln Imps

Tom delivered an excellent presentation to both the Beavers and Cubs, where he explained what UMAC is and spoke about how we are surveying mammals on campus. He then tested their mammal knowledge by showing them a series of British mammal pictures, we were seriously impressed as they got almost all of them correct, they even managed to name a muntjac deer! We showed them some of the footage of badgers, foxes, deer and rodents we have captured and demonstrated how footprint tunnels work and the prints you’ll find.

Tom giving a presentation to the Cubs. PC: Lincoln Imps

We then split off into two groups, one group brushed up on their art skills by making some mammal themed art, they used leaves to make some hedgehogs. Our creations were put to shame by their mammal masterpieces. You can visit our Instagram page, @Lincoln_Imps_UMAC to see the Beavers and Cubs finished work.

Lucy (left) and Georgie (right) helping the Beavers create their mammal art. PC: Lincoln Imps

The other group tested their knowledge of mammal tracks and scat. We made some cards with 11 different mammals on, the Beavers and Cubs had to match the mammal to their tracks and their scat. All four groups managed to match everything up correctly and they weren’t tricked by the dog print card or owl pellet card we put into the mix!

Tom helping the Beavers with the matching game. PC: Lincoln Imps

We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and knowledge the children we visited have shown for mammals and the environments they are found in. Engaging younger generations in conservation and the world around them is key to helping them understand the significance of nature and the importance of protecting it. Connecting with nature earlier allows them to develop a greater appreciation for the natural world and cultivate a sense of responsibility. Children are the future and after talking with some of them, it’s clear they’ve already got it handled, especially when it comes to conserving the planet and the species on it for generations to come. 

We’ve got plenty of stuff happening over April, keep up to date by searching @Lincoln_Imps_UMAC on Instagram.