Mammals
Probably the simplest way to help mammal research and conservation is to use the app Mammal Mapper all you need to do is upload a photo and relevant information of your sighting such as location and time. You can also report signs of mammals such as tracks or droppings. The app is used by some of the projects listed below.
Big Hedgehog Map
Type: Record a sighting
Location: UK wide
Description: Help look after our hedgehogs by recording any sightings here, dead or roadkill hedgehogs are important data. Make sure you note the location of your sighting. The website also includes information on how to encourage hedgehogs to your garden and neighborhood.
Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels
Type: Record a sighting
Location: Scotland
Description: Record squirrel sightings (red or invasive grey) to help in red squirrel conservation efforts. When you see a squirrel, note down the location, habitat and any other information that might be useful and you want to include in your submission.
The National Bat Monitoring Programme run by the Bat Conservation Trust has different surveys for different levels of experience check out the full range at their website. If you're lucky enough to have a roost at or near your house the roost count is perfect for you! Otherwise the survey below is perfect for begginer bat watchers.
NBMP Sunset Survey
Type: Survey
Location: UK wide
Season/duration: every year from April - October
Time needed: 1 hour at sunset/dusk (or sunrise/dawn to catch a dawn swarming!)
Experience needed: none! BCT provide guides, advice and even online workshops to get you started
Description: Spend 1 hour at dusk in your garden or local green space looking for bats, you'll be surprised at where you can find them! You can also record any other nightlife you spot such as foxes or badgers in your survey. You can submit as many times as you like for the duration of the survey. Using a bat detector is optional and if you have experience with one check out the other surveys available!
Mountain Hare Volunteer Survey
Type: Sightings or surveys
Location: Scottish Uplands
Season/duration: all year
Time needed: project dependant
Experience needed: can identify mountain hares, distinguish them from brown hares or rabbits
Description: To help monitor mountain hares you can record a sightings on the Mammal Mapper app, take part in rambling surveys or sign up for a 1km square survey with BTO. The website includes helpful ID tips and even how to ID mountain hare dung!
Saving Scottish Wildcats
Type: Record a sighting
Location: Scotland
Description: If you are incredibly lucky and come across a Scottish wildcat that information is very important to the organisation Saving Wildcats who monitor them. You can learn how to identify wildcats (and tell them apart from tabby cats) on their website. Photos of the cat are really useful as it means experts can verify your sighting as being either a wildcat, hybrid or feral tabby.