Hazel dormice are thriving at a National Trust site in Devon through targeted habitat work and a monitoring scheme.
Killerton National Trust Monitors Dormice Populations
Killerton National Trust has 100 nest boxes across its estate in Devon. Rangers weigh and record details of each mouse between April and October.
Populations in the UK have declined by over two thirds since 2000 according to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. Experts said the decline was largely down to habitat fragmentation
.
The trust said the animals continue to thrive
in the area – a sign it was doing something right
by creating a healthy, diverse and well-connected habitat for wildlife
. Dormice across the South West will be going into hibernation in the coming weeks.
Dormice Need Resilient Ecosystems to Survive Winter
Organisers are aiming for the creatures—which generally have a body mass of 20g to 40g—to put on sufficient weight so they can start their winter sleep shortly and successfully make it through the cold season. Fi Hailstone, senior ranger for the National Trust at the Killerton estate, explained the needs of the local ecosystem.
When we have warmer weather, it wakes them up and when we have wet springs, that affects their ability to forage when they do wake up. So having a resilient ecosystem with lots of shelter for them, lots of scrub, lots of things for them to eat [is important].
Hailstone noted that bramble serves as a vital life source for the animals. The plant provides flowers in the spring, berries, and protective cover from predators.
They love bramble, and I know that bramble has a bit of a bad reputation with a lot of gardeners. But bramble is the life source, really. It has flowers in the spring, it has berries on it. It’s also protective in terms of cover from other predators, so it’s a really great place for them to nest.
When they are not hibernating, they are shy and nocturnal.
Hedge Networks Help Dormice Spread Across the Estate
Since starting observations of the Killerton dormice back in 2018, rangers have observed relatively steady numbers that go against the wider picture across the country. Hailstone said Devon was a bit of a stronghold for dormice
because there is such a strong hedge network.
We are finding them in new areas which indicates them spreading across the estate. We think this is because we’re planting a lot more hedges, a lot more trees.
Hailstone added that while new woodland is being planted now, the effects for dormice will not be seen for another 100 or so years, making the management of existing woodlands vital.
If anyone comes across one of these rodents during the colder months, they are advised to leave it untouched and contact either a nearby animal rescue or the RSPCA immediately.