Great concern has been expressed for the future of the hazel dormouse as its numbers across the country have declined by at least a half in the past 100 years. Dormice are a 'flagship species'. Where they occur the habitat is usually very suitable for a wide range of other species. They are also important as 'bioindicators' as they are particularly sensitive to habitat and population fragmentation, so their presence is an indication of habitat integrity and sustainable populations of other sensitive species.

• Raise awareness of the plight of the County’s mammals
• Promote recording and study of mammals in Kent
• Help to conserve mammals
• Provide a forum for those interested in wild mammals.

Membership of the Group offers an enjoyable approach to conservation and recording which appeals to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Yes, there are academics and professional ecologists, but there are also many members who come from all walks of life and all ages, and simply have a soft spot for mammals, and enjoy the keen observation and detective work that can be linked to a walk in the country. This includes young people who are keen to find out more about local mammals and their place in the wider fauna and flora of the County. So, if you are interested come along to one of our events and be assured of a warm and enthusiastic welcome.

If you have a fascination for a specific species, or a particular area of the County, that is even better. The Group is always looking to expand its range of expertise and knowledge of habitats. But that doesn’t mean you have to be an expert. Part of the fun of belonging to the Group is to learn as you go. This can happen informally or by attending the training courses that the Group provides.

Kent Mammal Group is always looking to work in partnership with other organisations – not just those with similar aims, but also others as diverse as the Church of England and the Ministry of Defence. Support for projects has been received from the BBC Wildlife Fund and Awards for All. The Group associates closely with the professionals at Wildwood Trust who are based in Kent but are promoting conservation measures for all British mammal species.

Whether it is the small creatures that inhabit the hedge at the bottom of your garden – or the big marine mammals that live off our coast – they all need support as our local environment is increasingly threatened. You can help provide that support by joining Kent Mammal Group.

Pamela Worrall

Chairman

Kent Mammal Group  2012

Kent has one of the longest coastlines in the country, and Kent Mammal Group has never confined its interest to terrestrial mammals. 2010 provided a step change in this level of understanding with the completion of three days of aircraft based observation from the Thames and Medway estuaries to the Goodwin Sands. This survey was instrumental in doubling the numbers of recorded seals when compared to previous surface level observations. The work would not have been possible without the support of Kent and Medway Biological Records Centre and Bramley Associates.

You can watch a short film of the North Kent and Thames Estuary sand bank seal survey that took place in August 2010 in our photo & video gallery section.

In 2009 it was decided to work more concertedly towards the publication of a new Mammal Atlas for Kent, joining forces with Kent Bat Group, East Kent Badger Group, and the Records Centre. The Group is also working with the Kent God's Acre Project to further wildlife recording and conservation in churchyards and burial grounds across the County. The immediate priority for the atlas is to ensure that there are sufficient records for the fifty plus terrestrial and marine species so that the atlas is seen to be clearly representative of the status of mammals in Kent in the first decade of the 21st century.