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Local Groups Network bulletin board
Watch this space for updates and opportunities for - and from - the local mammal group network, including news, events, training, resources, officer recruitment and funding opportunities.
To submit an item for the bulletin board, email localgroups@themammalsociety.org
Get live updates from the network on our Local Mammal Groups Facebook Group
Join the Local Groups WhatsApp group here and introduce yourself
Key Local Group Resources
Local Group Event Plan Template
Fill in this document when planning a survey, training or engagement event and submit to localgroups@themammalsociety.org to ensure you are covered by Mammal Society insurance
Local Groups Conference 2024 - now open for registration
FREE for local groups
9th November 2024, Exeter and online
Theme: Semi-aquatic mammals
07/11/2024 - Nationwide
Upcoming trainings, free for Local Groups!
We’ve got a number of webinars coming up which may be of interest to Local Group members! Local Group members can book a free ticket for these events using the code "LocalGroupDiscount"
Introduction to Small Mammal Identification and Ecology with Derek Crawley (20th November, 7-8.30pm) book here.
Practical Techniques for Monitoring Small Mammals: Trapping with Longworths with Derek Crawley (27th November, 7-8.30) book here.
An Introduction to Mammal Tracking and Cybertracker with John Rhyder (3rd December, 6-7.30pm) book here.
Establishing a Local Mammal Group (an introductory webinar so anyone looking to start a new group) (4th December, 6pm) book here.
Next Local Groups Forum: 24th October, 6pm
Join us at our next forum on acoustic mammal monitoring on Thursday 24th October at 6pm. We’ll have Paul Howden-Leach from Wildlife Acoustics joining us to give an introduction to the technicalities of acoustic monitoring and answer any mammal-related questions. We invite you to think about the following: how is your group incorporating acoustic monitoring, how does acoustic monitoring help in identifying species and understanding their behaviours, what tools or software do you find most helpful, what technical challenges have you encountered, case studies or success stories where acoustic monitoring helped, and anything else you want to discuss relevant to acoustic monitoring in your county.
A write-up of the last forum on beavers can be accessed here.
06/09/2024
Free local group tickets for Mammal Society’s Annual Conference 2025
Where? Bangor, North Wales
When? 28th-29th March 2025
Every registered local group is entitled to a free ticket and the opportunity to showcase your work in the conference marketplace. Register for your free local group ticket here. Further support to cover costs of accommodation and travel can be requested via our bursary fund. Please also consider if you have a project you’d like to present on, and submit an abstract if you do. We’d love to showcase the work of local groups.
06/09/2024 - Nationwide
Call for otter spraint donations
Cornwall mammal group is collaborating with Susanna Ramsey, the author and photographer behind the recent owl pellet analysis guide, to create a similar guide to aid with the analysis of otter spraint.
Samples of spraint from around the country would be valuable to help us build a comprehensive photographic guide. If you come across substantially sized samples (old and dry is fine as it requires less cleaning!) please send to Freepost MammalSoc in a sealed plastic bag accompanied by location and date of collection. If you are able to clean it before posting that is appreciated but not essential.
To clean spraint, soak in a strong solution (roughly a teaspoon in 100ml) of Biotex or equivalent biological detergent for a couple of hours then rinse in a plastic sieve or tea strainer. Drain and then turn out onto clean kitchen roll to dry overnight.
06/09/2024 - Nationwide
Get Ready For Harvest Mouse Survey Season!
In preparation for the start of the 2024-25 harvest mouse survey season, the Mammal Society will be running online and in-person trainings in survey techniques. If you would like to hold a training in your area and require a trainer, or some materials and guidance to support a training run by a group member, or just support to promote your training, please get in touch via localgroups@themammalsociety.org.
11/07/2024 - Nationwide
Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Training for Local Mammal Groups
Thursday 18th July 2024, 6pm-7pm
Join us for a free training session designed specifically for our Local Mammal Groups. Led by Matt Larsen-Daw, CEO of the Mammal Society, this webinar will provide essential support and guidance on conducting risk assessments and addressing safeguarding issues. These skills are crucial for creating a safe and supportive environment at local mammal group meetings, fieldwork activities and events.
In this session, you'll have the opportunity to discuss and ask questions, ensuring you leave with the knowledge and confidence to implement effective safety measures. While the main session will be recorded for future reference, there will be an unrecorded question period at the end for discussing sensitive matters. Don't miss this chance to enhance your group's safety practices with expert advice.
11/07/2024 - Nationwide
Equipment Loan Scheme Now Live!
Small mammal traps, bioacoustic monitoring kit, trailcams and more can be borrowed from the Mammal Society at no cost to enable your local surveying efforts. Equipment is covered by Mammal Society insurance and delivered to your group by courier. We ask that you keep equipment for as short a time as required to deliver your plans, and return it clean (sanitised where necessary) and well packaged.
To browse equipment, check availability and download a loan request form click here.
11/07/2024 - Nationwide
Claim your free copy of our new barn owl pellet dissection guide!
Our new photographic guide to the bones of small mammals in owl pellets by Susanna J Ramsey and Derek Crawley is now available from NHBS as a high quality A4 wiro-bound workshop resource, or as a free digital download from our Publication pages.
All registered Local Groups seeking to add to small mammal records in their area via owl pellet dissection, or contributing to our Searching For Shrews project, are able to claim a free copy of this invaluable resource. To claim, simply email localgroups@themammalsociety.org with a delivery address. One copy per local group.
02/03/2024 - NW Scotland
The North West Scotland Mammal Network held a community engagement event on Saturday 3rd March in Aultbea, NW Scotland, to generate awareness and interest in local mammals, and to dissect some local barn owl pellets to contribute data to the Searching For Shrews project. No Greater white-toothed shrews detected - just voles and one pygmy shrew. Much fun had by all, and a chocolate hedgehog cake was enthusiastically consumed!