Much of the research work undertaken by BioEcoSS Ltd and Simon Poulton over the last thirty years, both in the UK and overseas, has involved small mammals. Most of this has involved live-trapping, usually with metal traps such as the Longworth or Sherman. Despite their utility, it clear that there are many drawbacks to these traps, that have remained substantially unchanged over fifty years.
In 2008, Simon Poulton had completed the pilot study of the National Small Mammal Monitoring Scheme for The Mammal Society and he was planning the launch of the full scheme. It became clear to him that the cost and availability of existing traps would be a serious constraint on the volunteers for this scheme. This prompted him to draw up plans for a new trap, designed to be entirely plastic with simple, snap-fit assembly – and at a fraction of the price.
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