EAGLE eyed nature fans are recording their sightings of wild animals in their gardens as part of a national mammal survey.

Any green space within 200m of a building can be used to watch out for animal sightings.

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species want to learn more about the nature that lives among humans in towns and cities and is hoping to gather a national picture of species that are out and about.

Hedgehogs, foxes, grey squirrels and bats and often found in gardens, allotments and play parks and cemeteries.

Volunteer nature watchers just need to pick and visit a green space once a week between Monday (March 26) and June 24 to log their findings.

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.

"By identifying population trends, finding pockets where certain species are thriving or under pressure, we can ultimately encourage biodiversity around us.”

To find out how to tell a polecat from a pine marten and read more on the project visit: www.ptes.org/lwm