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Wildlife Watch

Seen any hedgehogs lately? Or perhaps you’ve seen a spider you’ve never seen before? These might be signs of the way the climate is changing, but how do we know?

Hundreds of people from the Isle of Wight responded to the BBC Springwatch programme last year giving scientists valuable information about how the changes in the weather and climate are reflected in the way animals and plants adapt their behaviour.

We want to find out how these changes are actually affecting our own wildlife on the Island, and now we know that there are hundreds of people out there who would like to tell us! They just don’t know where to send the information!

The ‘WILDLIFE WATCH’ project will run for two years, from Spring 2007, and the information gathered will be used to help the Society and other organisations to plan and monitor nature conservation projects all over the island. Look out for the posters and get involved to help wildlife on your doorstep!

By contributing your records towards Wildlife Watch, you will be helping the Society to further our understanding and conservation of wildlife.

Wildlife Watch Species

Please email us with sightings of any of our six species, from anywhere on the Island at wildlifewatch(at)iwnhas.org

Hedgehogs (DECREASING) Circumstantial evidence suggests that hedgehogs have declined. People report not seeing them in their gardens and there are far fewer squashed on the road. However, we don’t know if they are really in decline and there has never been an Island-wide survey. It is very likely that they are regular visitors to many people’s gardens and we would like to hear about this. We would also like to know if you see one squashed on the road.	Hedgehog © CC
Adders (DECREASING) It is generally believed that adders are in decline and yet there are some places where they are still regularly seen. We would like to know if you see an adder. You need a good view to spot the distinctive zig-zag pattern down the back. Approach with care but remember that adders are more scared of you than you are of them and they will rapidly move away if disturbed. Adders are protected and must not be killed.	Adder © AMa
Scarlet Lily Beetle (INCREASING) This attractive beetle is a pest of lilies grown in the garden and can often be spotted feeding on lily foliage. It was first found in this country in 1940 but now appears to be spreading in southern England. We would like to know how widespread it is on the Island.	Scarlet Lily Beetle © CP
House Martins (DECREASING) House martins nest under eaves of houses, often in small colonies. When houses are redecorated, empty nests are sometimes removed. It has been suggested that house martin’s nests are much less common than they used to be. There may be a shortage of mud for nest building in some areas. We would like to know where there are used house martins nests on houses and, if possible, how many.	House martin at the nest © CC
Snakelocks Sea Anemone (INCREASING) When you visit a rocky shore look out for this anemone with long, waving tentacles in pink or green in rock pools. It is spreading around our coasts. We would like to know how widespread it is.	Snakelocks Sea Anemone © MVC
Wasp Spider (INCREASING) At one time, you would have had to visit the Mediterranean to see this showy but harmless spider. Now it is spreading in southern Britain. We would like to know how widespread it has become on the Island. You are likely to spot wasp spiders in late summer and autumn.	Wasp Spider © CJ