Find Out More

Websites | Organisations | Books | Thanks

_{Channel 4 Television is not responsible for the content of third-party sites.}

Websites

Add an Adder
www.adder.org.uk
Are adders disappearing from the British countryside? The Herpetological Conservation Trust wants you to join them in their project, where they are collecting stories, recollections and observations both past and present. There's a great section on how to recognise an adder with close up photos.

Aigas Field Centre
www.aigas.co.uk
They provide badger and pine marten watching opportunities.

Badgerland
www.badgerland.co.uk
Online guide to badgers in the UK, with information about how they are being protected and a listing of badger groups across the UK.

Badger Trust
www.badger.org.uk/index.html
Promotes the conservation and welfare of badgers and the protection of their setts and habitats. They represent and support around 80 local voluntary badger groups.

Barn Owls Trust
www.barnowltrust.org.uk
All you ever wanted to know about barn owls and their decline, including loads of useful information on how you can help protect them.

Barn Owls
www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/b/barnowl/index.asp
More on barn owls and their decline, alongside some video footage.

British Deer Society
www.bds.org.uk/
An excellent site to find out all about deer and where you can see them.

The Coastal Seas Ecology group
www.ceh.ac.uk/sections/bpp/coastal.htm
This website from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology will give you all the information on seabird research in the Firth of Forth in Scotland where Bill and the team went to find puffins.

English Nature
www.english-nature.org.uk/
Government agency for conservation. Find your nearest nature reserve, local sites of special scientific interest and volunteer.

Environment Agency
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
A great site for advice on all things environmental.

Environmental and Geographical Sciences Group at Bournemouth University
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/conservation/abouttheschool
/egs/egs.html
Good site to explore for study options in conservation and wildlife. Deer ecologist and programme contributor Anita Diaz is based here.

Forestry Commission
www.forestry.gov.uk
Custodians of much forest in Britain. Find out about working and playing in the woodlands.

The Great Nut Hunt
www.greatnuthunt.org.uk
Read all about dormice and the two Great Nut Hunts that were organised across Britain in which thousands of people searched for nuts! The information they collected has helped to identify areas where they may still be found and other areas where they have died out.

Living Roofs
www.livingroofs.org
Read about the charity encouraging us to green-up the roofs of our buildings.

Otter Trust
www.ottertrust.org.uk
The Otter Trust is the largest and oldest of the otter conservation organizations in Britain. It has been active in captive breeding programs and has released over 100 otters into the wild. They run a strong educational program and advise land owners on wetland habitat maintenance.

Otters and Owls
www.ottersandowls.co.uk
A network of family-run conservation wildlife parks in the New Forest, Derbyshire and London. Otters, owls, deer, wild cats and pine martens can be seen. Environmental education is a top priority, so schools, families and children's birthday parties are encouraged. The website has all the information you'll need to plan a visit to one or all of them.

Protection of Species of Wild Animals
www.chm.org.uk/cats.asp?t=356
Certain species of wild mammals in Britain are protected under their own legal provisions, including badgers, deer and seals. This page discusses what this protection involves and then also has links to government bills like the Badgers Act of 1991 and the Deer Act of 1991.

The Puffin
www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/p/puffin/index.asp
Loads of stuff on the puffin, including where to spot one, breeding, nesting, conservation issues and even some audio and video of the birds.

Puffins being wiped out as shrubs choke nesting sites
www.guardian.co.uk/climatechange/story/
0,12374,1670029,00.html
Scientists have discovered that an introduced plant, tree mallow, is choking puffin breeding sites on Scottish islands and have warned that it could soon start killing off other seabirds, such as herring gulls and cormorants.

Siren
www.siren.org.uk
Find out more on Siren, the charity that Sasha Norris co-founded.

Wildlife Extra: UK Wildlife
www.wildlifeextra.com/hm-whereuk.html
Free online magazine with tons of photos and wildlife and conservation news from the UK. There is also an online guide to the nature reserves of the UK – county by county.

Wildlife Trusts
www.wildlifetrusts.org/
Every county has its own Wildlife Trust. They are a good way to get involved in conservation.

Wildwood
www.wildwoodtrust.org
Conservation trust near Canterbury in Kent. Animals that can be seen here are the pine marten, dormouse, beaver, water vole, water shrew and many more. Families and children are welcome as ecology education is a key part of the centre.

^ Top

Organisations

Barn Owl Conservation Network
Sheepdrove Organic Farm
Lambourn
Berkshire
RG17 7UU
Tel: 01488 674 727
www.bocn.org
Network of specialist volunteer advisors promoting a nationwide habitat creation scheme, along with the installation of nest boxes. The site also has advice on what to do should you find a baby or injured barn owl.

The Barn Owl Trust
Waterleat
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7HU
Tel: 01364 653 026
E-mail: info@barnowltrust.org.uk
www.barnowltrust.org.uk
Working towards conserving the barn owl and its environment. Site includes information on surveys, how to adopt a barn owl and how to go about volunteering.

Bat Conservation Trust
Unit 2
15 Cloisters House
8 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4BG
Tel: 020 7627 2629
Bat Helpline: 0845 1300 228 (local rate)
E-mail: enquiries@bats.org.uk
www.bats.org.uk
Organisation devoted to the conservation of bats, their roosts and feeding habitats. It aims to prevent further population declines and to encourage growth of threatened populations. The website has lots of useful information. The helpline was set up to provide information to all those who come across bats.

The British Deer Society
Fordingbridge
Hampshire
SP6 1EF
Tel: 01425 655 434
E-mail: h.q@bds.org.uk
www.bds.org.uk
Charity promoting conservation in balance with the environment through a programme of education, research, deer management training and the society journal Deer. The website has lots of information, a diary of events across the country plus a forum.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)
Sedum House
Mallard Way
Potteric Carr
Doncaster
Yorkshire
DN4 8DB
Tel: 01302 388 888
E-mail: information@btcv.org.uk
www2.btcv.org.uk
Charity set up in 1959 with a successful history of environmental conservation volunteering throughout the UK and around the world. The site has information on what you can do, from joining a local day out to conservation holidays.

British Wildlife Centre
Eastbourne Road
Newchapel
Lingfield
Surrey
RH7 6LF
Tel: 01342 834 658
E-mail: info@britishwildlifecentre.co.uk
www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk
Peaceful, relaxing environment where you can see over 40 species of British mammals, birds and reptiles in natural settings. Many of these animals are rarely seen in the wild. Here you can see them up close, learn more about the challenges they face in the wild and how we can all help to preserve them and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.

The Forestry Commission
Great Eastern House
Tenison Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB1 2DU
Tel: 01223 314 546
E-mail: fcengland@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
www.forestry.gov.uk
Government commission with a website full of places to go walking and cycling, wildlife webcams plus information on sustainable development.

The Herpetological Conservation Trust
655A Christchurch Road
Boscombe
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH1 4AP
Tel: 01202 391 319
www.herpconstrust.org.uk
Involved in habitat management and programmes in all aspects of conservation activity relating to the UK's most threatened amphibians and reptiles. The site has up-to-date news stories and lots of cool photos.

Mammals Trust UK
15 Cloisters House
8 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4BG
Tel: 020 7498 5262
E-mail: enquiries@mtuk.org
www.mtuk.org
Charity set up to highlight and deal with the dramatic decline in numbers of many British mammals. MTUK raises funds for scientific research, which goes towards understanding and solving many of the problems our mammals face today. Also aims to make people aware of the conservation issues and to encourage everyone to take an active role in helping to maintain and enhance our natural heritage.

The Mammal Society
2B, Inworth Street
London
SW11 3EP
Tel: 020 7350 2200 (Monday-Friday 11am-1pm)
E-mail: enquiries@mammal.org.uk
www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal
Works to protect British mammals, halt the decline of threatened species and advise on all issues affecting them. The society studies mammals, identifies the problems they face and promotes conservation and other policies based on sound science. Membership costs from as little as £20 per year.

The Otter Trust
Earsham
Bungay
Suffolk
NR35 2AF
Tel: 01986 893 470
E-mail ottertrust@btconnect.com
www.ottertrust.org.uk
This centre in Suffolk gives visitors a rare opportunity to see otters at close quarters, together with other wetland wildlife, in natural and semi-natural surroundings.

People's Trust for Endangered Species
15 Cloisters House
8 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4BG
Tel: 020 7498 4533 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
E-mail: enquiries@ptes.org
www.ptes.org
Since 1977 PTES has been helping to ensure a future for many endangered species throughout the world. Check out the 'Get Involved' section of the website to see how you can volunteer to help out in Orchard Surveys or carry out essential wildlife conservation.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
The Lodge
Sandy
Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL
Tel: 01767 680 551
www.rspb.org.uk
UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife. The website has lots of information about owls and puffins.

The Vincent Wildlife Trust
3-4 Bronsil Courtyard
Eastnor
Ledbury
Herefordshire
HR8 1EP
Tel: 01531 636 441
E-mail: vwt@vwt.org.uk
www.vwt.org.uk
Charity engaged in wildlife research and conservation. Since its inception, the VWT has focused on the needs of British mammals. Current work is centred on the bat, polecat, pine marten and dormouse. Leaflets on bats, polecats and pine martens are available by sending in a stamped addressed envelope.

Wildlife Aid
Randalls Farm House
Randalls Road
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 0AL
Emergency helpline: 09061 800 132 (50p per minute)
www.wildlifeaid.org.uk
Animal charity dedicated to wildlife rescue. There is an online shop with videos and t-shirts etc, which helps towards running the animal hospital. You can adopt an animal from as little as £7.50.

Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU)
Department of Zoology
University of Oxford
Tubney House
Abingdon Road
Tubney
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX13 5QL
Tel: 01865 393 100
E-mail: wildsec@zoo.ox.ac.uk
www.wildcru.org
Aims to achieve practical solutions to conservation problems. Go to the 'Jobs' page to see what is available. Fieldwork positions are posted here but also volunteers are always wanted on a variety of different projects.

The Wildlife Trusts
The Kiln
Waterside
Mather Road
Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG24 1WT
Tel: 0870 036 7711
E-mail: enquiry@wildlifetrusts.org
Working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone and dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK's habitats and species. The site has an A-Z of British wildlife species.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF-UK)
Panda House
Weyside Park
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 1XR
Tel: 01483 426 444
www.wwf.org.uk
Conserves endangered species, protects threatened habitats and addresses global threats. The website has lots of information, including a section on wildlife, habitats and threats.

^ Top

Books

	Against Extinction: The past and future of conservation by William M Adams (Earthscan, 2004) The story of conservation from its origins in 1903 (when the Society for the Preservation of Wild Fauna of the Empire was founded in London) to the present day (when it has become a huge international enterprise). The book explores the big questions and ideas that have driven conservation for a century. Get this book
	The Changing Wildlife of Great Britain and Ireland by David Hawksworth (Taylor & Francis, 2003) Major report on the state of the British countryside, which has not been undertaken since 1974. This comprehensive book looks at whether legislation and measures to protect species has had any impact, and also looks at issues of agriculture, climate, pollution and habitat management. Get this book
	Collins Complete British Wildlife by Paul Sterry (Collins, 1997) This photographic guide describes almost all the mammals, birds and butterflies likely to be encountered in Britain, as well as the common flowers, trees and shrubs. It also includes a few unusual species of plants and animals. Get this book
	The Crocodile Hunter: The incredible life and adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin by Steve and Terri Irwin (Orion, 2003) Made famous by his cult hit series on the Discovery Channel, Steve Irwin talks of growing up amongst some of the world's most lethal animals, and of how he and his wife have dedicating their lives to protecting wildlife and nature. Sadly he was recently killed by a stingray in Australia. Get this book
	The History of British Mammals by Derek W Yalden (Academic Press, 2002) 15,000 years ago a host of large mammals, including reindeer, wild horses and woolly mammoths, were established in Britain. The contemporary fauna, however, is largely dominated by domestic animals, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and humans. This book explores the fate of the large extinct species, as well as how, why and when the introduced species appeared. Get this book
	Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder by Richard Louv (Algonquin Books, March 2006) The author argues that today's children are increasingly disconnected from the natural world. A study carried out in the UK in 2002 reported that eight-year-olds could identify Pokémon characters far more easily than otter, beetle and oak tree. So what can be done to re-connect them? Get this book
	Wildlife SOS by Simon Cowell (John Blake, 2006) More than five million wild animals and birds are killed or injured on our roads each year; countless more are injured or orphaned, either deliberately or through man's neglect of the environment. Wildlife Aid's rehabilitation centre deals with over 12,000 incidents a year and is responsible for returning more than 70% of the creatures back to the wild. Read about their rescue stories and learn about a vast range of wild species, from abandoned ducklings to injured deer. Get this book

^ Top

The producers of Wild Thing would like to thank the following companies for their generous support in providing services and materials to help solve the wildlife problems:

Deer programme
Seesaw Media

Badger programme
Greyhound Plant
Jacobi Jayne
Moorlands Ecology

Adders programme
Hewden Plant Hire
Cresswell Associates

Pine Martens programme
Acheson & Glover

Bats programme
Cresswell Associates
Huck Nets
Greyhound Plant

Dormice programme
Expanded Metal Mesh Company
TCL Products
BT

Puffins programme
Skye Instruments

Otters programme
Northumbria Environment Agency
Corus
F.H.Brundle
Forestry Comission
A-One Engineers

Barn owls programme
Marldon Marquees
Cemex
Southern Timber Co
Aggregate
Andrzej Blonski Architects

Water voles programme
Greyhound Plant
Portadam
Flow Line

^ Top