NATIVE SPECIES WORK

Wildlife Surveys: Monitoring Local Biodiversity

Our team conducts regular surveys to understand and protect native species, including:

• Bird Surveys & Bird ringing:
  Observing bird species across the safari and attaching lightweight rings to birds to monitor their movements and behaviours.

• Pollinator Surveys:
  Monitoring bees, butterflies, and wasps to understand their populations and behaviours.

• Aquatic Invertebrate Assessments:
  Exploring ponds and streams for creatures like freshwater shrimp and tadpoles – a scientific take on grown-up pond dipping!

• Small Mammal Counts:
  Monitoring populations of species like field mice and pygmy shrews during the summer months.

• Bat Surveys:
  From checking cosy hibernation boxes and counting roosting bats to using echolocation detectors and watching bats swoop over waterways, our bat surveys are as exciting as they are essential!

Creating Better Homes for Wildlife

We’re also enhancing habitats to provide safe, comfortable spaces for native species. Here are some highlights:

• Bird Nest Boxes:
  Look up in the trees near the Foot Safari and woodland to spot our nest boxes. During spring and summer, you may see birds feeding their chicks or hear the squawking of hungry young.

• Kestrel Nest Box:
  Discover a larger nest box along the Amur Tiger Trail, generously donated by Gauntlet Birds of Prey, designed especially for kestrels.

• Bat Boxes:
  Find bat-shaped symbols on select boxes, offering vital hibernation spaces during winter.

• Bug Hotels:
  Nestled in our wildflower meadow near the Nature Trail, these structures support pollinators and other insects.

Explore native wildlife and woodland habitats on our Nature Trail.

RED SQUIRREL RECOVERY NETWORK

We're protecting the UK's only native squirrel species, the red squirrel. Here's how:

• Connecting Communities with Nature:
  We're promoting wellbeing and championing nature and our native species by connecting our communities with the natural world around us, leading to a deeper appreciation and advocacy for conservation of our native species, including the red squirrel.

• Free Events and Guest Engagement:
  From Explore Walks and Wildlife Workshops to Conservation Cafes and Touch Tables, we are educating visitors to Knowsley Safari on the importance of conservation and protecting red squirrels. We show them how to spot the difference between reds and greys and inform on the threats reds are facing.

• Volunteer Programme:
  We're setting up a network of volunteers at Knowsley Safari estate and beyond, to help us in our mission to educate our communities and monitor local red squirrel populations. If you're interested in getting involved, please email redsquirrel@knowsley.com