Using live, humane traps many animals and moths can be caught for closer inspection! Trained staff release the mammals traps to reveal mice, voles and shrews. This allows children to familiarise themselves with the animals differences and main characteristics. For example the nocturnal field mouse has much larger eyes and ears than the bank vole who will emerge during the morning. Work can be linked to life cycles, requirements of the animal and food chains.

Mammal trapping is also useful when thinking of camouflage in the wild, as is moth trapping. Over 350 different types of moth have been recorded at Pelham, including the buff tip (pictured above) which cleverly disguises itself as a twig to avoid detection! The study of moths can also be linked into pollinators, adaptations and life cycles.