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| Grass snake |
A new survey has revealed the continued decline in sightings of some of our most familiar and favourite garden wildlife, with the RSPB calling on people across Merseyside to take up the Wild Challenge this summer to uncover the mysterious creatures living in their garden.
More than 100,000 wildlife enthusiasts around the UK, including over 2600 in Merseyside took part in the survey. Results from the county showed that hedgehogs were seen in around 60 per cent of gardens or outdoor spaces. Worryingly the spiny mammals were absent from almost a quarter of Merseyside gardens.
Moles spend most of their lives alone, digging tunnels and hunting for food only occasionally coming to the surface. They remained elusive to the majority of Merseyside gardens that recorded wildlife, with both the creatures themselves and their more familiar molehills going unseen in over 60 percent of outdoor spaces. Great crested newts also went unseen to the majority of people throughout the county, as the secretive reptile wasn’t spotted in around two-thirds of gardens.
For the second year running participants were asked to keep an eye out for foxes and stoats. The results showed that foxes were seen in over 50 per cent of Merseyside gardens that took part in the survey.
Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientists, said: “Often the wildlife we see in our garden is the first experience we have with nature – whether it’s a robin perched on the fence or a hedgehog snuffling around looking for its next meal. Unfortunately, the sights and sounds of wildlife that was once common to us are sadly becoming more mysterious to people.
“There are simple things we can all do to make our gardens perfect of wildlife. From creating a feeding station for birds or hedgehogs to digging a small pond to help amphibians, these easy activities can help turn your garden into a wildlife haven.”
With the wildlife on people’s doorsteps becoming increasingly mysterious to them, the RSPB is calling on Merseyside families to spend more time outside this summer and reconnect with the nature that surrounds them by taking on the Wild Challenge.
By completing fun and engaging activities ranging from minibeast safaris and rock pooling to creating a hedgehog cafe and planting for wildlife, families can take their first steps on their own wild adventure. There are 24 activities to choose from that will take you from your own back garden to exploring towns, cities, woodlands and even the coast.
Emma Reed, RSPB Education, Families and Youth Manager in Northern England, said: “Studies have shown how getting outside and discovering nature is really important for children’s mental and physical well being and it also provides memorable, fun family time. Every child should have the opportunity to connect with nature so the RSPB’s Wild Challenge is a great way to take your family on a wild adventure.”
The RSPB’s ambition is for the Wild Challenge to help more families across the country reap the benefits of spending time outside in nature. Research has shown that children who have a healthy connection to nature are more likely to benefit from higher achievement at school, better mental and physical health, and develop stronger social skills.
To learn more about the RSPB Wild Challenge and to see how you can take your firsts steps on your own wildlife adventure, visit rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge
2675 participants provided information about other wildlife that visits their garden when they took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch in Merseyside. The overall county results are:
2017
|
At least monthly %
|
Ever this year %
|
Never %
|
Don’t know %
|
Fox
|
24
|
55
|
32
|
14
|
Grass snake
|
0.2
|
1
|
77
|
22
|
Great crested newt
|
0.1
|
2
|
66
|
32
|
Hedgehog
|
23
|
62
|
22
|
16
|
Mole
|
14
|
21
|
62
|
17
|
Slow worm
|
5
|
8
|
64
|
28
|
Stag beetle
|
2
|
9
|
49
|
42
|
Stoat
|
1
|
6
|
74
|
20
|
109,697 Big Garden Birdwatch participants provided information about other wildlife that visits their garden. The overall UK results are:
2017
|
At least monthly %
|
Ever this year %
|
Never %
|
Don’t know %
|
Fox
|
41
|
70
|
20
|
10
|
Grass snake
|
1
|
12
|
65
|
23
|
Great crested newt
|
1
|
5
|
67
|
29
|
Hedgehog
|
24
|
61
|
24
|
15
|
Mole
|
29
|
40
|
48
|
12
|
Slow worm
|
6
|
22
|
53
|
25
|
Stag beetle
|
4
|
21
|
41
|
38
|
Stoat
|
2
|
13
|
67
|
20
|
% change 2016-17
|
At least monthly %
|
Ever this year %
|
Never %
|
Don’t know %
|
Fox
|
1
|
-2
|
-2
|
20
|
Grass snake
|
-22
|
-11
|
-6
|
33
|
Hedgehog
|
-5
|
-4
|
3
|
13
|
Slow worm
|
-4
|
-8
|
-6
|
26
|
Stoat
|
6
|
13
|
-11
|
55
|
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch other wildlife survey is a partnership between the RSPB, Amphibian and Reptile Trust, The Mammal Society and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species.
Merseyside families might like to explore the RSPB’s Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve on the Dee Estuary. With den building, seasonal quiz trails and explorer backpacks available every day, they have plenty of opportunities for families to kick start their Wild Challenge. Visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands for details.
Families might also like to explore the RSPB’s Marshside nature reserve near Southport. With a rich variety of wonderful wildlife to spot throughout the seasons, families can kick start their Wild Challenge. Visitrspb.org.uk/marshside for details.
