Small Mammals

SMALL MAMMALS

In association with experts from the Lancashire Mammal Group, we undertake extensive 6-population monitoring of native mammals on site at Knowsley.

Although they’re tiny, small mammals such as wood mice and bank voles are a vital part of the ecosystem – they’re a food source for birds of prey and disperse seeds responsible for regenerating habitat. Keep an eye out on our events pages for opportunities to get involved with small mammal monitoring.

We are also lucky to be home to strong populations of mammal species who have suffered a huge reduction in numbers throughout most of the UK, such as hares and hedgehogs. Hedgehog numbers have reduced by 1/3 since 2000 and estimates of countrywide hare populations are relatively out of date. Habitat loss is a key issue facing both species, but Knowsley provides a haven for them, and our population monitoring ensures we can act at the first sign of an issue.