Understanding British Mammals 1

A Lifelong Learning Aberystwyth Ecology Course

This course on British Mammals is one in a series. It focuses on the gnawers, nibblers and crunchers.

It gives a thorough introduction to these mammals including insectivores, rodents, lagomorphs and deer. Key features of species identification will be covered including pelage and skull examination. Life cycles, habits and habitats will be also covered in the workshops. Practical and field exercises will involve characteristic field- signs, with a guide to tracks and trails, feeding remains, droppings, nests and burrows. Population monitoring techniques and field surveys will include ‘Longworth trapping’ and owl pellet analysis. The distribution and status of these mammals, including BAP species and wildlife law will be discussed in the light of their individual conservation requirements.