A NATIONAL wildlife charity is calling for Black Country volunteers to help spot mammals this spring.

The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) want people to complete their annual Living with Mammals survey.

Volunteers are required to complete the survery once a week between March 26 and June 24, recording any animals they see.

People should also record signs that animals have been there, such as droppings and footprints.

Any garden or green space can be used, provided it is within 200 metres of a building.

David Wembridge, Surveys Officer at PTES, said: “Understanding how wildlife in our towns and cities is changing is essential in supporting our wild neighbours such as foxes, rabbits and hedgehogs.

"We’ve always shared our green spaces with wildlife, so by counting the number of mammals each spring, we can tell where conservation efforts are needed most."

Many of Britain’s mammals, including hedgehogs, foxes, grey squirrels and bats, are typically found in household gardens, recreational areas, cemeteries and brownfield sites, but other green spaces close to buildings may also provide a home to them.

Volunteers can register online at www.ptes.org/lwm.