Wildlife

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  • Wildlife Student Membership£3.00
  • Wildlife Associate Membership£3.00

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Keele Wildlife Society is open to anyone who is interested in wildlife. If you would like to meet-up, make friends and share knowledge then this is a society for you!

What to expect?

The society aims to provide a place for people with a love and interest of wildlife to meet. For events and socials, we will go on walks around the Keele campus and further afield to allow time for wildlife spotting and adventures! We also aim to provide inspiring speakers and lectures on a variety of wildlife topics which may inspire and encourage a stronger passion for wildlife.

In our first year (2018/2019), we were shortlisted for Best New Society in the 2019 KeeleSU Society Awards, and won!
A few years later, in the 2023/2024 awards, we also won the Society of the Year Award for Best Activity-based Society!

This year, we will be holding sessions every other week dedicated to learning more about our wonderful wildlife. In these sessions we will further our knowledge by reseaching, holding discussions, and watching relevant films/documentaries in a friendly and relaxed environment. We will be learning about different species behaviour and relation to the natural world, as well as thinking about their threats and potential needs for conservation. As well as this we will be organising walks/trips on campus and in the Staffordshire area to help put into context what we have learnt. Other, even more exciting plans are in the works, so stay tuned! Keele Wildlife society is open to all, and is a great way to get to meet new people, we're looking forward to meeting you all! 

 

Bi-weekly wildlife session: Held on Mondays 5pm until 7pm in Chancellors - Room 0.007 (CBA0.007)

 

Our additional social events (walks, day trips and pub meets) will be organised and advertised through our society email, Whatsapp group and social media accounts. 

Join the Keele Hedgehog Friendly Campus Group here - http://www.greenimpact.org.uk/hedgehogfriendlycampus/register?team.id=9100 - Staff and students all welcome!! It is a great opportunity to get involved with biodiversity on campus. This is completely free to sign up to.

https://www.facebook.com/HedgehogFriendlyCampusKeele/ - Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeeleHedgehogFriendlyCampus/ - Facebook Group

Connect with us!

Email: soc.wildlife@keele.ac.uk

Our brand new Discord server!: https://discord.gg/aHQ5NcWktN

Also follow us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Feel free to join our Facebook Group which you are welcome to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KeeleWildlifeSociety/

There are currently no upcoming events.
    There are no current meetings
    Hedgehog Friendly Campus & Preparations for the Spring
    Hedgehog

    With the next Hedgehog Friendly Campus meeting nearly upon us we wanted to take a minute to share with you what you can do in your gardens for hedgehogs.

    Please join us for our re-launch of Keele's Hedgehog Friendly Campus and review of 2020, as well as a chance to catch up and discuss any criteria for a Hedgehog Friendly Campus which Keele University have not yet met. 3pm, Thursday, 7th January 2021 ???? All are welcome and even if you are unable to attend the meeting you are welcome to contribute to the campaign and join the team! See the Teams channel for details. 

    Hedgehogs are currently hibernating... so it is a great time to leave the garden be so you don't disturb their slumber. Instead, why not...

    • Take a look at Hedgehog Street at all the resources and ideas?
    • Create a hedgehog house during lockdown
    • Ensure hedgehogs can move freely by creating a hedgehog highway - https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/link-your-garden/
    • Learn more about hedgehogs and their prickly ways
    • Sign this petition to increase the legal protection of hedgehogs >> https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/550379
    • Read about the Hedgehog conservation strategy and the population trends - https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/about-our-hedgehog-street-campaign/stateof/
    • Write to your MP - https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/environment-bill-amendment/

    During cold or dry periods, these creepy-crawlies become much scarcer in gardens, so hedgehogs will benefit hugely from a shallow dish of water and supplementary feeding at these times. (Find out more; https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/feed-hedgehogs/)

    Remember to contact BHPS on 01584 890 801 if you’re worried about a small or sick hedgehog.

     
    Wildlife activities at home

     

    Dear Fellow Wildlife Enthusiasts,

    This April edition of the Wildlife Society Newsletter hopes to provide you all with some ideas and activities which you can do to help wildlife at home. If there is anything which you have been doing please share with us on social media! 

    I have been taking part in the Garden Birdwatch; I am lucky to have seen a range of bird species in my garden. These have included Sparrows, Starlings and a regular Robin which has made a daily appearance at breakfast!. A number of birds are nesting with a young Blackbird finding its flight last week…. It took a few attempts and help but has been successful! If you are interested to take part in this take a look on their website here: https://www.bto.org/ 

    A number of wildlife related organisations and charities have been providing activity ideas. Here are a few pages:

    The Wildlife Trusts

    A number of different activity sheets; for example, creating a hedgehog highway (this can be done with a fence or hedge - anyway you can alter your own gardens to increase Hedgehog mobility!). Another easy way to help nature is by making your own bird feeder; this is something I have very fond memories of doing myself as a child.

    For more information and alternative ideas check out The Wildlife Trusts website here: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wild-activities-families-and-schools

    RSPB

    Here you can select the wildlife which you would like to help; this allows you to choose activities which are most appropriate for your location and garden. For example, to help Bees, why not build a Bee B&B? Or you can help Frogs, Toads and Dragonflies by creating a mini pond. Even if you do not have a garden pond this is still an activity for you; all you need is a large container, some rocks and small plants. 

    See the RSPB website for more: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/

    Zooniverse

    If you are looking for ways to help wildlife online then you could check out Zooniverse. This provides a range of online volunteering to help science and research. Examples include: identifying species and behaviour from cameras, transcribe historical documents and classify sound recordings.

    Take a look on the website and find something which is of interest to you: https://www.zooniverse.org/#projects

    I hope you are safe, well and enjoying nature!

     
    Keele Wildlife Society March Update

    Hello,

    Speakers Officer Talk - 25th February 2020

    Come along to our very own Speakers' Officer, Henry Simpson's talk on his great travels across the world and his ventures to the deep!

    Henry will be doing two talks one starting at 17:00 and one starting at 18:00. Taking place in CBA0.01.

    Keele Green Festival - 9-20th March 2020

    The Keele Green Festival is nearly here!! 

    The events are up on the Green:Keele Facebook page so get the dates into your diary! Everyone is welcome!!

    Between the 9th-20th March, every day will be full of sustainability-related events along the theme of Zero Carbon and Climate Justice. Events range from volunteer opportunities, workshops, talks, tours, gardening, crafting, film screening, cooking, stalls and so much more!!

    Please share with your friends, colleagues and spread the word!

    Which events will you be going to? 

    Keele Wildlife Society will be helping to run a few of the events but particularly the Wildflower Seed Ball (Bomb) making on Friday 13th March. We will then spread these around areas where they are least likely to get cut. 

    There are lots of green and environmental-related opportunities so please do get involved!

    Hedgehog Friendly Campus Working Group

    Taking place on the 10th March 2020, 1-2pm in CBA1.076. The Keele Hedgehog Friendly Campus working group will be having a brief meeting to discuss the use of pesticides and rodenticides and the impact of those on hedgehogs. We will also be discussing plans for the Hedgehog Friendly Campus silver and gold accreditation! Lots of great opportunities to take part in!

    All welcome! No prior experience needed. Please let us know if you are interested in joining the group!

    Voting in the Elections

    Voting is now OPEN for the full-time officer elections! This is our opportunity to achieve the Democracy and Campaigns Stripe - the more members of the Wildlife Society that vote in the elections, the better! 

    Remember, for every student that votes in the elections the SU will plant a tree (and we can help them do it!)... Why not!?

    Keele Wildlife Society Committee Nominations

    The Committee elections are approaching!! When nominations open, please upload a photo and your manifesto. This will then give an opportunity for members to vote for next years committee!

    The 2020 dates are as follows:

    • Monday, 9th March at 9am - Nominations open
    • Friday, 20th March at 9am - Nominations close
    • Saturday, 21st March at 9am - Voting opens
    • Thursday, 26th March at 9am - Voting closes
    • Friday, 27th March - Results are published 

    The positions that can be run for are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Events Coordinator, Speakers Officer and Welfare & Inclusions Officer. The roles that must be filled are President, Secretary and Treasurer.

    For more details on the roles and the society, please see the Constitution available on the KeeleSU Wildlife webpage - https://keelesu.com/activities/society/keelewildlifesociety/

    All members are encouraged and welcomed to run for the committee - it is a great opportunity!! If you have any questions about being on the committee - please drop any of us a message or email. 

    Always happy to help!

    Have a wild week!

    Alana

    Keele Wildlife Society President

     
    Elections!

    Hello all Wildlife enthusiasts,

    Thank you for your involvement with all of the recent Wildlife events at Keele! We hope you have enjoyed them as much as the committee has!

    It is that time of year again where you have the chance to be a committee member with the society for the next academic year. The positions available are:

    • The President
    • The Vice-President
    • The Treasurer
    • The Secretary
    • Welfare and Inclusion Officer 
    • The Speakers Officer
    • The Events Coordinator

    The President

    • The principal spokesperson and representative of the society
    • They shall have overall responsibility for the development and growth of the society.
    • They shall be responsible for performing the duties of any unelected officers in their absence.

    The Vice-President

    • They will assist the President and stand in their place if they are not available.
    • They shall be responsible for performing the duties of any officers in their absence

    The Treasurer

    • Ultimately responsible for the society account and shall ensure that society funds are spent sensibly and within the society means.
    • They shall be responsible for keeping financial records and producing a financial report to the society Annual General Meeting (AGM)

    The Secretary

    •  Responsible for taking minutes at all society meetings.
    • Maintaining the membership and mailing lists of the society.

    Welfare and Inclusion Officer

    • Attending specific welfare-related training to fulfil their role.
    • Working with the committee to plan socials that consider all members

    The Speakers Officer

    • Invites speakers and organises speaker events.
    • In charge of arranging venues and providing members with the opportunity to meet and network.

    The Events Coordinator

    • Thinks of ideas for events, socials and walks for the society.
    • Use social media to regularly promote and post about upcoming events.

     

    Nominate yourself now and help the Keele Wildlife Society continue to be a fantastic society!!!

    Important dates:

     

    Nominations

    OPEN: Monday 9th March (9am)

    CLOSE: Friday 20th March (9am)

    Voting

    OPEN: Saturday 21st March (9am)

    CLOSE: Thursday 26th March (9am)

    Results

    PUBLISH: Friday 27th March

     
    Our First Newsletter!
    Keele Wildlife Society is working to become a Hedgehog Friendly Campus

    Welcome to the first newsletter from Keele Wildlife Society!

     

    I would like to begin by welcoming new members to the society and thanking everyone who has attended an event so far this semester. 

    The society has had a fantastic start to the new academic year with a variety of events including; a campus walk followed by lunch in the KPA, getting up close with reptiles and invertebrates as well as a fantastic talk by Professor Dawn Scott. 

     

    Professor Scott’s talk focused on ‘Adaptations of mammals to urban living’. Urbanisation is one of the biggest land use changes to occur and it is having a significant impact on the life of wildlife including foxes, badgers and hedgehogs. In order to understand these changes and the ways in which wildlife respond to the new fears and opportunities, it is necessary to understand the urban ecology. For example, within urban environments, wildlife can access new food sources; this can be from litter, bins or peoples back gardens and even inside their kitchens! This allows wildlife to have a regular food supply which can actually be more food than the animal can eat in one day. However, this ease of access to food means that wildlife such as foxes, no longer need to use their natural ability to hunt and gather food like they would in rural areas. In addition, the food humans feed to wildlife often is high carbohydrates which can lead to animals becoming overweight. Another important topic covered by Professor Scott was the rehabilitation of foxes and its impact. Although this is a way of being able to treat injured or ill Foxes in a safe environment; it can lead to them becoming socially excluded once they leave a pack. As a result, when they are released, they have to relocate themselves. In order to cause the lowest disruption, where possible, we should treat wildlife in-situ. These are just two of the key points highlighted during the recent talk by Professor Scott. More fantastic talks to come - keep an eye on emails, SU page and social media!!

    I have fond memories of hedgehogs being in my garden during my childhood; providing them shelter and leaving them food at night was always a joy. But today myself and the Wildlife Society have serious concerns for the species. The population has significantly declined. In 1950 the estimated population was 36.5 million. Today this is a mere 522,000. As previously mentioned, urbanisation is impacting wildlife with road traffic accidents being the biggest cause of death for hedgehogs. What is more, urban design has limited routes for wildlife to allow habitat connection to occur. These are just a few of the issues hedgehogs face today. As a society we are looking to make a positive impact in response to this and make Keele a Hedgehog Friendly Campus - we want you to be a part of this! In order to achieve this status as a society we will increase habitats on campus, provide shelters and raise awareness to the issues facing hedgehogs. Please join the Hedgehog Friendly Group if you would like to be involved in this exciting project: https://www.greenimpact.org.uk/hedgehogfriendlycampus/login 

    Thank you for taking the time to read our first newsletter! 

     
     

     

     

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