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Wildlife help & advice
Got a question?
Find detailed answers to frequently asked questions about wildlife and conservation below.
I've found a dead animal
Occasionally, we all come across the sad sight of a dead animal. Surrey Wildlife Trust does not offer any services related to the discovery, reporting, or disposal of dead animals, but this page will help you know what to do if you find one.
Injured wildlife
As a conservation organisation, Surrey Wildlife Trust cannot treat sick or injured wildlife. If you find an animal that is trapped or hurt, please contact Leatherhead based wildlife rescue charity Wildlife Aid, Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue in Camberley or the RSPCA.
I've found a baby bird on the ground
In most instances we recommend leaving a baby bird alone if you find one on the ground. To find out why and what to do if you suspect a baby bird is injured or in danger, please visit our baby bird FAQ page.
Identifying a plant or animal
Visit our species explorer page to help identify specific species.
You can also use handy ID apps such as Seek from iNaturalist to help identify a huge range plants and animals and Merlin from BTO to help identify birdsong.
To submit a species record, please visit the Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre (SBIC) page
Moving frog & toad spawn
Detailed information about frog and toad spawn can be found on the Amphibian & Reptile Trust website.
Wildlife laws & crime
If you witness a suspected wildlife crime in action call 999 immediately.
In all other instances, call 101 for the non-emergency service and ask to speak to your local Wildlife Crime Officer. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information about types of wildlife crime and the laws protecting wildlife in the UK, visit our FAQ page
Cutting back a bush or tree without harming wildlife
The cutting and pruning hedges should always take place outside of the main breeding period (between September and February). Nesting birds are fully protected by law and it can be a criminal offence if a nest is harmed.
Deterring pests species
Each garden is a miniature ecosystem. The creatures within it determine what thrives, survives, deteriorates or dies. By using the wildlife friendly pest control measures listed on our wildlife gardening pages you can achieve equilibrium in your outdoor space.
Fungi picking & foraging
The picking of fungi is prohibited on Trust managed land. For more information and advice about other forms of foraging, please visit our fungi FAQ page
Dog walking on wildlife sites
We ask that owners keep dogs on a lead or under close control when visiting the sites we manage for the benefit of wildlife and other visitors. Some seasonal restrictions also apply at certain sites.
Carrying out an ecological survey
Surrey Wildlife Trust Ecology services carries out professional ecological services for local authorities, companies and individuals. Please visit our dedicated ecology services website below for further information
Ticks & Lyme disease
Ticks are small arachnids, which feed on the blood of animals including pets and people. Some ticks carry a bacterial infection called lyme disease.
Discover practical advice to coming into contact with ticks and what to do if you discover a tick on your body.
Signs & symptoms of Ash Dieback
First confirmed in the UK in 2012, ash dieback, also known as 'Chalara' or Chalara ash dieback, is a fatal disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. The disease has spread across Europe and the UK.
For information about Ash Dieback on Trust managed sites and how to recognise the disease, please visit out Ash Dieback FAQ page
Careers in conservation
From ecologists to engineers, communicators to campaigners there are many different jobs in the conservation sector, which requires people with a varied range of skills.
Whether you are looking to start working with nature as part of a career change, or studying with a careering conservation in mind, below you'll find information on how to gain employment in environment sector and the support available.