You may have heard in the news about the stag beetle needing our help. This endangered species is now extinct in many parts of the UK, but those that remain can be protected if everyone works together. The ‘Great Stag Hunt‘ survey helps the country build a national picture of their whereabouts. It only takes a few minutes of your time and will help guide the future conservation action for stag beetles.

At the time of writing the website showed 5672 stag beetles recorded this year. We have just made that 5673 as we saw one crawling around in the undergrowth of Woking.

If you haven’t seen one then you can do something about it:

• Build a log pile – All you need is some wood and an outdoor space. Use the PTES’ FREE instruction sheet for more help.
• Leave dead wood – If you have deadwood in your garden, leave it alone, they are ideal habitats for stag beetles.
• Protect from danger: Stag beetles like warm surfaces, such as pavements and tarmac roads, which make them vulnerable to being squashed by humans and vehicles. Also look out for birds and cats which can also predate on them too.
• Finding a stag beetle – Leave them alone. If you dig up stag beetle larvae whilst gardening simply return it to where you found it and replace the soil and rotting wood.
• Try one of our Treasure Trails – We have found one so there have to be more in the Woking, Brookwood, Guildford, St John’s or Goldsworth Park area, start your own hunt today.