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Staffordshire Mammal Group

@staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social

709 followers 48 following 79 posts

A small group of volunteers dedicated to observing and studying Staffordshire’s Mammals

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Happy #NationalBadgerDay to all who celebrate it. #Brocktober Here are two playful Staffordshire Badgers from this evening

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

A couple of wonderful Red Deer stags from last weekend in the Hamps Valley

Red Deer stag facing forwards with antlers spread to either side against a backdrop of gorse and bracken

2 Red Deer stags making their way down a hillside covered in gorse and bushes

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Out next field meeting is: Harvest mice - Tittesworth Sunday, October 11, 2026 10:00am – 3:00pm Tittersworth nature reserve. Take part in the harvest mouse survey. Hone your nest finding skills on this beautiful site with like minded people. www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Events — Staffordshire Mammal Group

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Dormouse box checks, 40 acre wood 13/9/26 9am – 3pm Checking of our long standing dormouse boxes Meet at Loggerheads pub car park bring lunch and a drink and dress for the weather with comfy supportive footwear. Getting there: Grid ref SJ738358 postcode TF9 2QU What3words dreamers.excavated.shirts

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

A lovely group of Red Deer in the Dane Valley from last weekend #ukwildlife #ukmammals

A Doe and 2 Red Deer fawns in a closely grazed field

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Our last Wednesday field meeting of the year Milford River/Canal Survey Wed, 26/8/26 7pm – 10pm we hope for signs of otters +sightings of bats. Dress for the weather and wellies. Meet small car park Holdiford Road. Grid ref SJ975212 Nearest postcode ST17 0UU What3words downs.insect.stolen

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

A very interesting Brown Hare seen in the North Staffs Moors last weekend, it has a complete white collar but in all other ways looks like a regular Brown Hare, it was also closely associating with a “normal” Brown Hare

A Brown Hare with a bright white collar running away through dry grasses

The same Hare with the bright white collar this time sideways to the camera a “normal” Brown Hare is to the left. Both are in a dry grass field

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A fantastic pair of Fallow Deer from our last field meeting 🙂

2 Fallow Deer standing side by side and both looking at towards the viewer. They both have spotty sides and a white belly plus black and white tails

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Some wonderful trailcam footage from a local reserve

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Consall Wood Survey Sun, 14/6/26 9am – 3pm Tracks and signs survey at this beautiful RSPB site. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Bring lunch if you are staying all day. Grid ref SJ997476 Nearest Postcode ST10 2EW What3words exits.systems.fraction

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

The rarest of sightings for our event last Wednesday as this Otter swam past the Aqualate hide at dusk 😀 #UKWildlife

An Otter swimming right to left across still water, just its head is showing and a wake is created behind it

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Aqualate Mere 27/5/26 7pm – 10pm Our first evening survey of the Spring at this beautiful site. Tracks and signs survey with the possibility of sightings. Dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at the reserve car park: Nearest postcode TF10 9DE. What 3 words closes.could.unwound

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Our next event is Chillington Canal and Woodland survey 10/5/26 9am – 3pm Tracks and signs survey - what mammals will we find in this beautiful area? Bring lunch if you are staying all day, dress for the weather. Meet at Grid ref SJ882075 Nearest postcode WV9 5BJ What 3 words chest.films.ants

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

An excellent small mammal survey over the weekend as part of #NationalMammalWeek and #CityNatureChallenge The highlights being a very lively Weasel and a Harvest Mouse

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

A bonus event this April: Mammal Week & City Nature Challenge - Staffordshire University Nature Reserve Friday, April 24, 2026 – Sunday, April 26, 2026 7:00pm It’s National Mammal Week, no better time to be out and about recording mammals! Details on the link below

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Events — Staffordshire Mammal Group

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Deep Hayes - Tracks and Signs survey April 12, 2026 9am – 3pm Build up your tracking skills with a general survey at Deep Hayes CP bring lunch if you are staying all day and dress appropriately for the weather. Grid ref SJ960533 Postcode ST9 9QA What 3 words devalued.requests.built

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Some recent Badger activity from Staffs

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

March’s event is Hares and General Survey, Blithfield Sun, 8/3/26 10am – 3pm Brush up on tracks and signs survey skills + a good chance of hare boxing Bring lunch and a drink if you are staying all day. Meet at Blithfield walks car Park Grid ref SK055260 Nearest postcode WS15 3PL

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Our Feb meeting is a General Survey - Keele Uni 8/2/26 10am – 3pm General tracks and signs survey Keele Uni Bring lunch and a drink if you’re staying all day. Dress for the weather. Meet at Keele Uni, Keele Road, Newcastle Grid ref: SJ817452 postcode: ST5 5BG What 3 words: sands.bets.shells

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

A lovely and healthy looking Fox from the Blithe Valley recently 😊

A healthy looking Red Fox stands at the edge of a field of grass with a wire fence and tall grasses behind. The late afternoon sunlight illuminates the fox and shows the white of the throat well

A healthy looking Red Fox stands at the edge of a field of grass with a wire fence and tall grasses behind. The late afternoon sunlight illuminates the fox and shows the white of the throat well

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

We had some excellent sightings of deer in the Churnet Valley recently on a wonderful winter woodland walk. 5 Red and 4 Roe the sightings no doubt helped by the animals standing out against the snow.

A Red Deer partially hidden by branches as it stands at the edge of a sunlit meadow

A Red Deer partially hidden by branches as it stands at the edge of a sunlit meadow

A Roe Deer partially hidden by branches set against a snowy woodland backdrop

A snowy winter woodland scene with dark trunks and branches set against a snow covered woodland floor

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Our first event of 2026 is this Sunday Harvest mice and more, Burton Washlands Jan 11, 2026 10am – 3pm Wear wellies or waders and suitable clothing. Bring or wear gloves. Meet at the car park off the A5189 at: Grid ref: SK250220 postcode: DE14 3RT www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events/2...

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Harvest mice and more, Burton Washlands — Staffordshire Mammal Group

General tracks and signs survey with a focus on Harvest Mice. Come and improve your survey technique in the company of some friendly like minded folks. Wear wellies or waders and clothing suitable f...

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Exciting news that Beavers are coming back to a site in Staffordshire soon. www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/beavers-at-c...

staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Beavers at Craddocks Moss | Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Craddocks Moss is a precious site we were able to buy in 2019 after the generous donations of supporters. This site is being turned into an oasis for wildlife and is an essential link for nature's rec...

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

An excellent hour spent looking for Harvest Mice nests in the Churnet Valley with 14 found during the session. Winter is the best time to search for HM nests as they are empty.

Harvest Mouse nest, a tightly woven ball of grass found amongst tall grasses. This one clearly showing the circular entrance.

Harvest Mouse nest, a tightly woven ball of grass found amongst tall grasses.

Harvest Mouse nest, a tightly woven ball of grass found amongst tall grasses.

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

The annual SMG Christmas get together went very well today. Excellent company and great food plus exceptionally good weather for December! Plus we were celebrating 25 years of the group, here’s to the next 25 years!

A group of people, some in Christmas gear sitting around a pub table

The SMG gathering in the pub Carpark for pre lunch drinks

Mrs Santa Claus finding a Harvest Mouse nest in long grasses

A Brown Hare with a Magpie giving it some unwelcome attention in a bright green field of grass

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Our next event is Deer and General Survey, Hopwas Hayes Sun Nov 9, 2025 10am– 3pm General Tracks and Signs survey at Hopwas Hayes. Improve your Mammal Detective credentials and enjoy a walk around this site Grid ref: SK166052 Nearest Postcode: WS14 9PX www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Events — Staffordshire Mammal Group

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

So national Harvest Mouse day was on the 19th. The previous week we had a very successful field outing at Doxey Marsh where upwards of 50 nests were found 😀

Harvest Mouse nest, a woven ball of grasses used by these brilliant animals

Harvest Mouse nest, a woven ball of grasses used by these brilliant animals

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

If anyone would like to donate to this appeal please see link below. It would be amazing to have Beavers in the wild in Staffordshire and also to restore this moss to its former glory. Thank you www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/beaver-appeal

staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Donate today to bring beavers to Craddocks Moss | Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Donate to our appeal to help bring beavers to Craddocks Moss nature reserve in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Our 1st event of the season is tomorrow Harvest Mouse Training, Doxey Marshes Sun, Oct 12, 2025 10am – 3pm Develop your harvest mouse nest finding skills Bring lunch if you are staying all day. Wear Wellies as ground conditions are wet. Bring gloves. www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Events — Staffordshire Mammal Group

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Mammal Society @mammalsociety.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

🌍🐭 Happy World Animal Day! 🐭🌍 This Saturday 4th October we’re celebrating #WorldAnimalDay by kicking off the Harvest Mouse Survey Season 🌾 🔎 This year is extra special: we’re also marking the first ever National Harvest Mouse Day on 19th October! mammal.org.uk/current-rese... #WorldAnimalDay

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Our next event is General Survey Beacon Park Lichfield Sun, Sept 14, 2025 9am – 3pm tracks, signs and sightings survey Beacon Park, Bunker’s Hill car park , Lower Sandford Street, Lichfield. Bring lunch and a drink if you are staying all day. www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events/2...

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General Survey Beacon Park Lichfield — Staffordshire Mammal Group

General tracks, signs and sightings survey Beacon Park, Bunker’s Hill car park , Lower Sandford Street, Lichfield. Bring lunch and a drink if you are staying all day . Dress appropriately for the ...

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Reposted by Staffordshire Mammal Group

Richard Sutton @rjsutton1975.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Ok everyone is there any help with this one out there, I think this large ( c.2 cm ) and striking insect could be a Tenthredo but I admit I am struggling so any ID suggestions appreciated. Seen in North Staffs at the weekend @dipteristsforum.bsky.social

A large slim black and yellow fly with silvery wings and long antenna sitting amongst green leaves

A large slim black and yellow fly with silvery wings and long antenna sitting amongst green leaves

A large slim black and yellow fly with silvery wings and long antenna sitting amongst green leaves

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

The last of our summer Wednesday events is coming up, details on the website. Please note we will not be going onto the Moss but will be surveying the surrounding area. www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

A good morning on today’s field trip despite the heat 2 Red Deer seen plus signs of 8 other mammal species add to that 11 species of Butterfly including Brown Argus and Purple Hairstreak, 5 species of Dragonfly and 3 species of Damselfly

Adult Red Deer standing in a golden wheat field

Fawn Red Deer standing in a golden wheat field with only its head and neck showing

Brown Argus a brown butterfly with an orange border to the edge of both wings

Purple Hairstreak a grey butterfly with a white streak running through both wings and small orange eyes in the corner of the hind wing

Reposted by Staffordshire Mammal Group

Mammal Society @mammalsociety.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

🐾 An extremely rare pygmy shrew with an albino mutation was found by Anita McMillan near St Austell, Cornwall, while out for a walk. To find out more about how we protect shrews, head here: mammal.org.uk/current-rese... PC: Anita McMillan #environment #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #mammals

Reposted by Staffordshire Mammal Group

Fiona Mathews @fionamathews.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Wonderful news! Baby pine martens bounding around Devon. youtu.be/5vM5Q1Lixl0?... #wildlife #devon #DevonWildlifeTrust @vincentwt.bsky.social

Pine marten kits on camera - a historic milestone for Devon’s wildlife!

YouTube video by Devon Wildlife Trust

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

Our next event is Small mammals and general survey Pelsall North Common Sun, 13/7/25 9am – 3pm An opportunity to see mice, shrews and voles and to learn general mammal survey techniques Meet at Pelsall North Common car park, Wood Lane, Pelsall Grid ref SK015043 Nearest Postcode WS3 5AA

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

Some excellent mammal encounters last weekend in North Staffs, a striking Red Fox and a very peaceful moment with a riverside Roe Deer

A Roe Deer bending forwards towards a river with a pebbly margin surrounded by luxuriant green foliage

A Roe Deer looking alert and standing by a river with a pebbly margin surrounded by luxuriant green foliage

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Our next event is at Consall Woods Wed, 25/6 7pm – 10pm One of the few places in Staffs with a good chance of Roe deer, + bats as the evening goes on. Meet at Consall Wood Car Park, off Hollins Lane, Kingsley Grid ref SJ997476 Nearest Pcode ST10 2EW www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

A fawn Red Deer was an exciting encounter last weekend in North Staffs, it is not often that a fawn this young is seen. Excuse the poor photo it was understandably quite skittish

A fawn red deer standing partially hidden amongst twigs and leaves in an English woodland, it’s spotted sides and tan coloured rump can be seen

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Good to see so many signs of Eurasian Beaver on a recent group meeting, some old and some more recent 🙂

Eurasian Beaver feeding signs, the chewed ends of branches clearly showing the tooth marks

Eurasian Beaver feeding signs, the chewed ends of branches clearly showing the tooth marks

Some of the group mid search, 5 members of the group looking and smiling to the camera surrounded by riverside trees

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

This magnificent stag Red Deer was out with the lads last night near Dilhorne, NE Staffs

A large brown deer standing in a grassy meadow and facing the camera, it’s large antlers are still covered in velvet giving them a silvery appearance

3 large deer all stags standing in a field with a backdrop of trees

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

A pleasant evening around Brindley Heath with the group yesterday. 2 Fallow Deer, 2 Foxes and plenty of Rabbits and bats seen plus Green Woodpecker and Cuckoo for those interested in birds. 🪶#ukbirding

Fallow Deer stag peering through the forest. Its antlers only just starting to grow

2 adult Rabbits greet each other nose to nose in a grassy meadow

Green Woodpecker in trees, the red head and pale belly can be seen plus the black moustache

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

Our next event is Tracks and signs Cannock Chase Hednesford old RAF site Wed, May 28, 25 7pm – 10pm What can we spot on this site? Meet at the small Car Park off Brindley Heath Rd Please dress for the weather Grid ref SK005135 Nearest postcode WS12 4DR www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Some excellent Badger action from North Staffordshire recently 🙂

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Another good day yesterday with the final checks on our small mammal survey of the Wolseley Centre 9 Wood Mice, 13 Bank Vole and 2 Common Shrew were found

One of the younger members showing off a Bank Vole

A close up of a Common Shrew, a small brown mammal with a pointed nose

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 10/05/2025

The first session of our Small Mammal survey at Wolseley SWT went well this morning with plenty of Wood Mice and Bank Voles plus 1 Common Shrew. Hopefully more to come this evening at 9

Adult Common Shrew a small brown mammal with a pointed nose

3 Bank Voles viewed from above showing their warm brown backs well

Adult Wood Mouse scruffed for a better view

Some of the group with a Bank Vole in a fish tank at the front

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Our next event is Small Mammal Trapping Wolseley SWT (with WATCH group) 10/5/25-11/5/25 Meet at Staffs Wildlife Trust HQ car park First check 9am Sat 10th check and reset traps 8pm Sat 10th Final check 9am Sun 11th Grid ref SK024203 Postcode ST17 0WT www.staffordshiremammalgroup.org/new-events

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Events — Staffordshire Mammal Group

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

It is city nature challenge weekend starting tomorrow and Staffordshire is participating again this year. It would be great to better last year’s excellent 4th place finish www.inaturalist.org/projects/cit...

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City Nature Challenge 2025: Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent

The 2025 City Nature Challenge for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Staffordshire Mammal Group @staffsmammalgroup.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

A bit late for #BatAppreciationDay but an excellent evening spent watching 3 Noctule and countless Pipistrelles yesterday at Biddulph County Park.

A small image of a large bat silhouetted as it flies against a dark blue sky

A large bat flying with a grey sky as background