Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is urging volunteers across the UK to record sightings of wild mammals in green spaces in its Living with Mammals survey.

The public are urged to record species such as foxes, hedgehogs and squirrels in spaces such as private gardens, public parks and other green spaces from September through to November.

Living with Mammals has been running all year, PTES is keen for those not already taking part to look out for their wild neighbours during these months, when many of the UK’s mammals are busy preparing for winter. It offers a perfect opportunity to see how wild animals are faring after the intense, hot summer.

David Wembridge, conservation research and strategy officer at PTES, comments:

“The autumn months are a great time to spot mammals as juveniles disperse and individuals prepare for winter by building up fat reserves and caching nuts and seeds underground. This year, too, is a great opportunity to understand how different species have been affected by this year’s extremely hot, dry summer.”

People can take part by recording any sightings or signs of wild mammals online here.

PTES top tips for encouraging and helping urban wildlife

Whether you live in a sprawling city or a rural market town, there are ways that everyone can encourage urban wildlife without needing acres of space, or lots of time and money:

• Remove litter from local parks that could be harmful to wildlife
• Provide water in shallow dishes year-round, especially during heatwaves and long periods without rain
• Plant a grass lawn rather than using artificial turf
• Encourage invertebrates by keeping potted plants on balconies
• Plant night-scented flowers, such as mint or jasmine, to attract moths and bats