What We Do

Our original core objectives (set out below) are very ambitious, and were developed after discussions with mammal workers throughout Wales, and as a result of the discussion session at the first Wales Mammal Conference in March 2005.

 Core Objectives

  • To provide an overview of the status and distribution of mammals in Wales and the current research and conservation work being undertaken;
  • To identify gaps in knowledge and current work and to help identify future priorities;
  • To be a central point of information for mammal workers within Wales and outside organisations/workers;
  • To facilitate better communication between mammal workers in Wales;
  • To influence policy-makers in Wales to ensure that mammal issues are properly represented;
  • To act as a campaigning body for mammals;
  • To raise public awareness about mammals in Wales.

These core objectives provide a basis for the activities that the WMG will need to undertake, in the medium to long term, in order to achieve the overall aim of furthering the conservation of mammals in Wales.

During the first two years of the Group’s existence, we have grappled with decisions about what can and should be accomplished in the short term. In fact, it quickly became obvious that what people working on mammals in Wales wanted was the ability to communicate better between ourselves, and to be able to share ideas and experiences. Our immediate priorities were therefore to set up:

  •  A Wales Mammal Conference, that could then be repeated every two years;
  • A website;
  • A forum for all Mammal Recorders that can offer support and help.

Two very successful Mammal Conferences have been held, in March 2005 and July 2006. The next Wales Mammal Conference is provisionally booked for 12th/13th September 2008.

The website has taken some time to get up and running, but now that it is active, our intention is to expand its contents, and to publicise it as widely as possible in order to generate interest in our mammals, work and to promote mammal recording. Isabel Macho has taken on the role of managing the website.

We shall start work on the forum for Mammal Recorders shortly, and will be contacting all Recorders to help with its design and priorities.