Record roadkill to help mammal conservation

WILDLIFE charity People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling on volunteers across Britain to record sightings of mammals, dead or alive, as part in its annual Mammals on Roads survey. PTES is asking families going on summer holidays or day trips, car sharing commuters and anyone else using Britain's roads, to record sightings of mammals and submit the records via the free Mammals on Roads app; available, on both Apple and Android smartphones, via Google Play and the App Store. The data collected helps conservationists to see changing population trends and most importantly, identify where conservation action is needed most and for which species.

David Wembridge, Mammal Surveys Coordinator, explains:- "Mammals on Roads began over 18 years ago, and though no-one likes seeing roadkill, recording such sightings every year tells us how wild mammals are faring in the surrounding landscape. For example, thanks to the many volunteers who've submitted records over the last 2 decades we found out that hedgehog numbers are plummeting. Now, we're doing everything we can to help this species, but we wouldn't have known they were in trouble without volunteers helping us."

With clear audio descriptions of each mammal, colourful illustrations and easy to use navigation, the Mammals on Roads app couldn't be simpler to use. Set it running at the start of a journey and each sighting can be recorded with a few clicks. The survey should of course only be done by passengers.

The wild mammals you're more likely to spot from your vehicle include:- hedgehogs, badgers, rabbits, foxes and deer, but there are dozens of other mammals in Britain, so keep your eyes peeled for some of our lesser seen wild neighbours too, such as stoats and otters.

To further help mammals, last month the Department for Transport announced the launch of a new mammal road sign, featuring a hedgehog, which will soon be on the side of Britain's roads. The new sign will remind road users to keep an eye out for small wild mammals, in order to lessen the number of collisions involving animals each year. The data collected via PTES' Mammals on Roads survey will help inform where these new road signs should be placed, in areas where collisions with animals are highest.

David concludes:- "Taking part in Mammals on Roads can really make a huge difference and helps ongoing conservation efforts by building a countrywide picture of how mammal numbers are changing. Helping mammals couldn't be easier, so we hope our regular recorders and lots of new ones will take part this year."

To take part download the free Mammals on Roads app, and you can also see and post updates on social media using #MammalsOnRoads.

₤45,000 released to keep young people safe over autumn ½ Term

COMMUNITY groups which work to divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour during the busy Autumn ½ Term are being invited to bid for a small cash boost, thanks to Merseyside's Police Commissioner. Jane Kennedy has announced that she releasing a new round of funding from the Police Property Act Fund (PPA), which allows money raised from the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by the Police to be used for good causes.

It is the 10th time the Commissioner has asked community organisations, charities and groups to apply for grants of up to ₤5,000 for grassroots initiatives which are working to help young people to make the right choices. A total of ₤45,000 is available from the fund for one-off grants for organisations which are committed to improving community safety, reducing crime or supporting victims.

Jane has already awarded nearly ₤378,000 through the PPA to organisations that are making a difference in their communities. Since July 2015, the fund has been used to concentrate on youth engagement initiatives. in 2018, funding was awarded to 23 community groups enabling more than 7,500 young people take part in fun, safe, organised activities over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Jane said:- "I am pleased to once again be able to open up the Police Property Act Fund for bids of up to ₤5,000 to organisations which are working to make their communities safer and better places to live by engaging with young people. Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of fun and excitement for many people across Merseyside, but sometimes the fun can get out of hand and sadly some communities still experience a rise in criminal and anti social behaviour during this holiday. Historically, it is a particularly busy time for the Police and the fire service.  Through these grants, I want to help alleviate these issues and prevent local young people from making mistakes they may regret in the future. Once a young person gets a criminal record it can blight their future prospects. By using these grants to fund a wide range of fun, safe, organised activities I hope we can prevent young people from getting drawn into any activities which could become intimidating, anti-social or even dangerous to other members of the community. These projects will support the excellent diversionary work carried out by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring that young people can enjoy the autumn festivities in a safe and enjoyable way which is properly supervised. Local people know their communities best. They know what works when engaging with their young people and I am looking forward to reviewing their ideas and initiatives for ensuring everyone can have a safe and fun Halloween."

The PPA fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, (CFM) on behalf of the Commissioner. CFM holds funds from individuals and organisations as donors who wish to support deserving causes in Merseyside.  All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by 4pm, on 3 August 2019.  Please visit their website to apply.