Keele University conservationist to study how urban wildlife is responding to Covid-19 lockdown

NEW research led by Keele University will explore how lockdowns across the world due to the Covid-19 outbreak are impacting the lives of urban animals. In response to the Covid-19 outbreak Governments across the world have declared a period of social isolation resulting in Cities and Town Centres becoming quieter whilst residential gardens and outdoor spaces are getting busier. In recent weeks there have been reports of animals already adapting to the reduced human activity including:- Kashmiri goats roaming around Llandudno, North Wales, troops of monkeys in Singapore, wild boars in Cities across Europe and Coyotes wandering streets during daylight in USA.

For urban wildlife, which includes mammals and birds living alongside people in Cities, the lockdown will affect levels of disturbance from humans and food availability. Lead researcher Professor Dawn Scott, an expert in Mammal Ecology and Conservation, will use this unprecedented time to try to collect information and answer the study's overarching question; How have urban animals responded to changes in human activity during the COVID-19 lockdown?

The research will collect records on any observations of unusual animal behaviour during the lockdown, determine the effects of reduction in human activity in City and Town Centres on urban wildlife, and the effects increased human activity in gardens and outdoors space is having.  To take part in the study fill in this short questionnaire on urban wildlife. The data will be combined with other data from media searches to produce a report on the response of urban animals to lockdown across the globe.

Professor Scott, Head of the School of Life Sciences at Keele University, said:- "Urban animals have been able to adapt to our landscape and live alongside Towns, Cities and suburbs so we know they are already highly adaptable. This flexibility in behaviour means they can usually quickly respond to changing conditions, including the absence of humans, which is happening during the lockdown. Across the world we have seen reports of animals roaming Cities and in locations that they wouldn't normally be seen during the day. Social isolation is an opportunity for many to learn more about nature and how we can support it. We're asking people to take part in our study and help us discover how urban animals are responding due to our change in behaviour."

"You have kept us smiling" say pupils at Wheelock Primary School, Cheshire in a heartfelt video message of gratitude to their Teachers

113 children at Wheelock Primary School in Cheshire have teamed up and created a short video as an expression of gratitude for their Teachers, who are supporting the kids and their parents in the crisis. To the words of Bruno Mars 2010 hit:- 'Count On Me,' the children held up words and images revealing their personal message to their much missed Teachers.

"Dear Teachers and support staff... We all just wanted to take the time to say a massive thank you to you for supporting us during this difficult time and being there for us whenever we have needed you. You have kept us smiling. We appreciate everything you do for us. We miss you and our School community and are looking forward to seeing you all soon...  Take care of yourselves too.... Love the Wheelock Primary School Pupils 2020...  THANKYOU... Miss you all... Hope..."

The video includes children from Reception through to Year 6 and was coordinated by mum of 2, Sarah Gregory who has one child at the School. Sarah, a high School Teacher herself, knows 1st hand what it's like to be both a home Schooling mum and a Teacher prepping lessons plans for children to do from home. Sarah said:- "The kids are all missing School and we thought this would be a lovely way for them to show how much they care about their Teachers."

Sheila Manzano who has 2 children at the School said:- "The Teachers are doing an incredible job supporting families through the crisis. We receive lessons plans and ideas and the Teachers call parents to see how we are all doing."

The Head Teacher, Helen Sweeney, at Wheelock Primary School, said:- "It was such a wonderful surprise! The Teachers are all missing the children and we understand how tough things are at the moment. I don't think there was a dry eye between us when we watched it!"

Mrs Sweeney went on to say how proud she was of the children who are showing a sense of community while adapting to social distancing and incredible changes in life.