RESIDENTS in East Renfrewshire are being urged to record sightings of the UK’s “big five” wild mammals to help experts see how wildlife is faring.

Last year’s results of the ‘Living with Mammals’ survey revealed the most commonly spotted animals were grey squirrels, followed by foxes, mice, hedgehogs and bats.

Experts want the public’s help tracking their fortunes to identify where conservation work is needed most in the UK.

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is asking people to look out for these common animals, along with any other mammals they see or signs of them in their local green space.

Volunteers can spend anything from 10 minutes a week from now until June to report the mammals in their chosen green space.

David Wembridge, surveys officer at PTES, said: “Counting our wild neighbours, and knowing how their populations are changing, is a health-check on our towns and cities.”

To take part in the survey people can register HERE.

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