New group formed for people interested in mammals (From Dorset Echo)

New group formed for people interested in mammals

2:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Rene Gerryts

A NEW group has been formed for people who are interested in Dorset’s wild mammals.

Whether the interest is mainly scientific – recording, surveying, specific species studies – or mainly respectful - welfare, rescue, protection – the Dorset Mammal Group says it has something to offer.

It has been formed to carry forward the work of the previous Dorset Wildlife Trust badger and otter groups and to extend coverage to all of Dorset’s non-flying land and sea mammals.

The new group’s logo is a hedgehog to reflect this wider remit and because it is perhaps the most striking example of how a previously common creature can be affected by human activities – it has been estimated that their numbers have been reduced by 90 per cent over the past 50 years.

The wording on the logo - ‘conserve and respect’ reflects the ‘twin-track’ philosophy of the founders – an approach described by Chris Packham as progressive and ‘setting the right tone for the twenty-first century’.

An inaugural meeting of the Dorset Mammal Group will take place in Bridport at the United Reform Church Hall on Friday March 15 at 7.30pm.

The guest speaker, Colin Varndell will be giving his latest photographic presentation on the mammals of Dorset, showing his wild mammal pictures, explaining how he takes them and sharing some of his ‘tales from the hide’.