Residents urged to be on alert for wildlife

Posted on Wednesday 9 September 2009

Householders in the Marfleet area of the city will play a crucial role in a survey of the frogs, toads, newts and hedgehogs which increasingly find refuge in gardens and urban green spaces.

Understanding how wildlife uses these green spaces is vital in helping us to formulate conservation measures

Sal Hobbs

Slime and Spine 2009 is part of the national OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) project which aims to encourage people to explore their local environment.

Open Air Laboratories is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and led in Yorkshire and the Humber by a team of scientists based in the Environment Department and the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York.

Residents in Marfleet will receive a postcard through their door in the week beginning 14 September asking them to report any sightings of hedgehogs, frogs and toads in their gardens, or any local parks.

Researcher Sal Hobbs said: “In Britain, much of our wildlife is under threat, principally through loss of natural habitat. As our towns grow, some species find refuge in gardens and urban green spaces, particularly animals such as frogs and hedgehogs. But we know relatively little about how they are using these habitats and what features are important to them.

“We are starting with a garden study in Marfleet and asking residents to report sightings of frogs, toads, newts and hedgehogs in their gardens. But we are interested in information from across the city, so everyone can join in. Understanding how wildlife uses these green spaces is vital in helping us to formulate conservation measures.”

Anyone in Hull can take part in the Slime and Spine survey, by going to the website www.sei.se/opal

ENDS