Mammal Society

The Mammal Society's Mission Statement The Mammal Society works to protect British Mammals, halt the decline of threatened species and advise on all issues affecting British Mammals. We study mammals, identify the problems they face and promote conservation and other policies based on sound science.

Specifically the Mammal Society seeks to:
• Raise awareness of mammals, their ecology and their conservation needs
• Survey British mammals and their habitats to identify the threats they face
• Promote mammal studies in the UK and overseas
• Advocate conservation plans based on sound science
• Provide current information on mammals through our publications
• Involve people of all ages in our efforts to protect mammals
• Monitor mammal population changes

How we can help
• For general enquires, the public can contact the Mammal Enquiry Service
• Information on British mammals is available in the form of fact sheets and other information and publications. The fact sheets are posted on our website
• We can provide contact details for local mammal groups and research being carried out on different mammals around the country

For people interested in learning how to identify British mammals by sight, sounds, tracks and trails, our 'Look out for Mammals Project' can help. For more details, call The Mammal Society office.

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Middleton, The National Botanic Garden of Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales was opened in May 2000. Situated in a restored eighteenth century park, the garden aims to conserve threatened plant species, facilitate research into plant diversity and provide an absorbing experience for visitors.

The focal point of the garden is the Great Glasshouse. Designed by Lord Norman Foster and Partners, this is the largest single span glasshouse in the world. It houses a unique collection of Mediterranean plants from around the world. Many of the 1,000 plant species collected are facing extinction in their natural habitats. A sophisticated climate control system creates a suitable environment and biological controls are used in preference to pesticides.

There are extensive educational, visitor and conference facilities with wonderful plant displays at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Outside the core visitor area is a 400 acre estate managed organically under Tir Gofal. This has a wide variety of habitats and a rich diversity of wildlife. Scientific research focuses on conservation of rare and threatened Welsh plants such as Ley's Whitebeam (Sorbus leyana), Snowdonia Hawkweed (Hieracium snowdoniense) and Perennial Centaury (Centaurium scilloides). With just 16 specimens growing wild, Sorbus leyana is Britain's rarest tree.

The Great Glasshouse and other buildings are heated by a biomass boiler, which burns local waste wood. Rainwater is collected from the roof of the glasshouse to be used in the water features and for cleaning machinery and flushing toilets. Effluent from the toilets is treated by plants and bacteria in 'The Living Machine' before re-entering the garden's lake system.

In 2003, the new science research centre incorporating a bioscience and environmental business incubator will open. The aim is to provide support for new companies, with technical and business advice on hand, to help then grow into viable, freestanding businesses within three years.