Dormice thrive at Devon National Trust site

Summarised from BBC Science's report · Updated 8 Nov, 16:15 · Archive

Hazel dormice are thriving at Killerton National Trust in Devon despite population declines elsewhere in the UK. The People's Trust for Endangered Species said dormice populations had declined by over two thirds in the UK since 2000, largely due to 'habitat fragmentation'.

The National Trust site has 100 nest boxes and monitors the animals between April and October, weighing and recording details of each mouse. Fi Hailstone, senior ranger at Killerton, said having 'a resilient ecosystem with lots of shelter for them, lots of scrub, lots of things for them to eat' was important. The trust said bramble was particularly valuable, providing flowers in spring, berries for food and protective cover from predators. The dormice typically weigh between 20 and 40 grammes and are expected to begin hibernating in the coming weeks when temperatures drop below about 10 degrees Celsius.

Read the report

• Dormice 'thrive' at National Trust siteKillerton National Trust has 100 nest boxes across its estate in Devon.BBC Science · 8 Nov, 12:22

In this story: Killerton National Trust · Devon · People's Trust for Endangered Species · Fi Hailstone

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