ABOUT US
We are a growing group of individuals (all volunteers) whose aim is to look after the health and welfare of the wild mammals of Cambridgeshire. Currently there are about 45 members of the Group – around a dozen of whom regularly undertake a range of activities.
The formal Constitution of the Group describes our objectives – to work for the
conservation and protection of wild mammals in Cambridgeshire -
WHAT WE DO
We survey and record the presence and activities of the county’s wild mammals, particularly otters, badgers, water voles and the small mammals (like mice, shrews and voles). These records are vital to help protect the county’s wilder (but in some cases not so wild) places from illegal interference and land development – we are consulted by developers concerning our records of mammal species on a particular site.
We’re also involved in monitoring the changes in mammal populations following changes in land use – for example we look at the increase (or decrease) in small mammal numbers when new woodlands or new wetlands are being created.
Our records can also be instrumental in the creation of, for example, badger tunnels under new roads when a badger sett is otherwise being cut off from the badgers’ normal feeding grounds.
One important aspect of our work is the raising of public awareness about the county’s mammals – to that end we supply speakers on badgers, otters and so on to a range of organisations (to any group that asks) and we take stands at relevant conservation events, county shows, village events, etc.
Training of new members, members of other groups and members of the public is arranged
and undertaken – this is practical-
We are also frequently called upon to advise members of the public and others on a wide variety of issues relating to mammals and their habitats – the main ones seem to be about badgers and gardens!
Normal Group ‘business’ meetings (to arrange events and surveys, to talk about finance, to receive reports) take place in member’s houses at around quarterly intervals. For the Annual General Meeting we find a bigger venue and have a speaker. For the annual Christmas event (a quiz night with food and drink) we find a suitable place which supplies the food and drink – (a member supplies the quiz).
Our surveys and the other events (like talks and shows) can take place nearly anywhere in the county – wherever and whenever they’re needed.
Occasionally we arrange a series of illustrated talks by eminent mammologists – these are somewhere central in the county and are open to the public – again aiming to raise awareness about mammals.
Just join the Group and come along! We have a joining fee (of £5) rather than an annual membership sub (saves paperwork) and every few years we check that everyone on the mailing list still wishes to be on it – if no reply then their name is taken off.
If you have some experience of working with mammals – that’s good but not absolutely necessary! If you have no experience don’t let that stop you – we are nearly all amateurs plus a few professional mammal people and we are very willing to pass on our knowledge and experience to newcomers – the more the merrier! Please email the group (info@cambsmammalgroup.co.uk) for more information about joining, or download the membership form
If you have seen a wildlife incident that you think needs reporting, click here to let us know.