PRESS RELEASE

22 August 2008

Going Wild in Town with Urban Creatures

Watching for wildlife is no longer confined to the countryside, says Cheshire Wildlife Trust as the charity urges city and town folk to look out for the wealth of wildlife closer to home now that domestic gardens are a very important refuge habitat for many creatures.

Common garden visitors such as the grey squirrel and the hedgehog are being joined by more unusual species such as the distinctive and cheeky polecats, which have re-colonised Cheshire for the first time since 1890s. Polecats have been spotted trying their luck for food in Wilmslow, Stockport, Congleton and Middlewich and other areas of the county.

The red fox is also becoming increasingly brave and has been spotted exploring inner city gardens of Manchester and Chester with railway embankments providing a home for them after a night working on the streets.

And looking up to the sky, impressive flights by birds such as sparrowhawks and peregrines have become more frequent in Cheshire and kestrels can be seen hunting over the verges of our major roads. Buzzards were previously only seen in rural areas but can now be seen venturing in to towns and cities around Cheshire.

Sue Tatman, project officer from Cheshire Wildlife Trust, says: “Wherever you are in the county, it’s likely you’re only metres away from some fascinating wildlife and with creatures adapting to new habitats in developed areas, this goes for towns and cities too. For instance, a garden pond in a mature urban garden can be as rich in wildlife and birds as a rural hedgerow – it is often just a case of taking the time to stop, look and listen carefully to your surroundings.

If you have spotted any unusual wildlife in urban areas, contact the Trust by calling 01948 820728.

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