The British Isles and Ireland are home to many species of mammal, from the common shrew to grey seal. We work toward a future where populations thrive as part of healthy and diverse ecosystems benefiting people and nature.

One in four UK mammals are threatened with extinction.

Credits: Ian Wade

Current research View all

Current research
National Polecat Survey
National Polecat Survey

Polecats were once a common and widespread native mammal present across the British Isles. Vincent Wildlife Trust has monitored its recovery since the 1990s using National Surveys that rely on the public to submit records of polecat signs and sightings. Science-led

Searching for Shrews
Searching for Shrews

The greater white-toothed Shrew (GWTS) has now been identified in Sunderland and is known to be an invasive species in Ireland, at the detriment of the pygmy shrew (a native species in the British Isles). Science-led

The Red Squirrel Acoustic Monitoring Project
The Red Squirrel Acoustic Monitoring Project

Partnering with the University of Bristol, nonprofit tech startup Rainforest Connection, and Huawei Technologies for a ground-breaking project aiming to protect red squirrels through collecting bio-acoustic data. Science-led

National Harvest Mouse Survey
National Harvest Mouse Survey

Our 2018 Review of the Conservation and Population Status of British Mammals found that information on harvest mice in Britain is poor and we need more data to better understand how our smallest rodent is doing. Science-led

Discover British mammal species

With approximately 90 species spanning across land, air, and sea, there are many fascinating creatures to learn about. From iconic land-dwellers like red foxes and badgers to majestic marine mammals like seals and dolphins, the British Isles are home to a rich tapestry of mammals.

News and stories View all

Blog
Britain’s forgotten and underrepresented mammals
Britain’s forgotten and underrepresented mammals

These forgotten and underrepresented mammals include species that are endangered, extinct, urban, small and under-recorded. 12 Min Read

Call for data on wild mammals during National Mammal Week
Call for data on wild mammals during National Mammal Week

Conservation charity Mammal Society urges UK public to help boost data on wild mammals in National Mammal Week (22-28 April 2024). 5 Min Read

How UMAC has pushed me to gain leadership and science communication Skills
How UMAC has pushed me to gain leadership and science communication Skills

Student Spotlight by Anna Foster. 5 Min Read

Campus conservationists win our first ever mammal champions award
Campus conservationists win our first ever mammal champions award

Lyndon Howson, a student at the University of Chester, has been recognised for spearheading the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Project on his campus. 3 Min Read

Take part in National Mammal Week 2024

Find out how you can get involved in National Mammal Week this 2024.

Join your local mammal group

A growing movement of mammal enthusiasts across Britain.

From the world of mammal conservation

Stay informed about the latest mammal news, tips and events in our newsletter.

Join our community of Local Mammal Groups

Our local groups support a growing movement of mammal enthusiasts across the British Isles and Ireland. Local mammal groups bring together those with a shared enthusiasm for the local environment and the mammals within it. They work to share knowledge, raise awareness, survey, and monitor local mammals. They also provide local expertise and training in field skills, hold talks and events, and support the work of the Mammal Society.

Discover a group near you and join alongside like-minded individuals who are dedicated to safeguarding British mammals.

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