Mátra Wildlife Group

 Mátra Wildlife Group was formed in 2005 at the suggestion of Colin Penny, the founder of Buxton Heath Wildlife Group, Norfolk, England. Colin, and his partner, Teréz Udvarhelyi, have been studying the flora and fauna of Hungary together since Colin moved to the country in 2004. During their studies, they've discovered many "new" species-rich sites, and are working to get some degree of protection for them.

Besides Colin and Teréz (the "main players"), several other people are part of Mátra Wildlife Group, including staff from the Mátra Museum, the Forestry Research Institute, the National Parks Authority, and several other non-professionals who care about their country's wildlife and want to do something to protect it.

As the Group name suggests, most of our studies take place in the Mátra Mountains, although we sometimes visit other localities . During 2007, we visited the Danube-Ipoly, Bükk, Hortobágy, and Kiskunság National Parks.

Colin says 'Apart from the obvious difference of studying the more exotic wildlife of Hungary, one of the main changes for me is that, for over 13 years, I devoted my free-time and energy to studying and caring for just one site, namely Buxton Heath. But here in Hungary, I'm studying the wildlife of many different sites, and in many cases, the wider countryside, without physical boundaries. This is a big change for me".

For the latest wildlife sightings, click on 'Latest News' in the panel above !