Dormouse doing well in Bedford
Purlieus Wood.
Branching out - dormouse on
the march in Peterborough wood
November 2012. Dormice are thriving in a Peterborough wood - and now a local farmer is helping then to branch out even further afield.
The Forestry Commission found 27 dormice in boxes in Bedford Purlieus Wood, near Peterborough, during the final monthly check of the year in October. Adults, juveniles and babies were recorded, most in good health and with plenty of fat to see them through their winter hibernation.
The checks - carried out by rangers and volunteers - have been crucial in charting the progress of the endangered mammals since they were released in the 200 hectare beauty spot in 2001 after becoming extinct locally.
November 2012. Dormice are thriving in a Peterborough wood - and now a local farmer is helping then to branch out even further afield.
The Forestry Commission found 27 dormice in boxes in Bedford Purlieus Wood, near Peterborough, during the final monthly check of the year in October. Adults, juveniles and babies were recorded, most in good health and with plenty of fat to see them through their winter hibernation.
The checks - carried out by rangers and volunteers - have been crucial in charting the progress of the endangered mammals since they were released in the 200 hectare beauty spot in 2001 after becoming extinct locally.
Cheryl Joyce, Forestry
Commission ranger, said: "Finding so many dormice in our final check is
great news. But what has really excited us is that some animals were found a
long way from the original release point, adding to our hopes that they might
soon spread into the surrounding countryside. That really is the next major
project landmark. It just shows what sensitive habitat management allied to the
passion of volunteers can achieve."
Dormice boxes
Spurred on by the dormouse revival, Clive Fuller from 1150 acre Cross Leys Farm, is working with Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust and volunteers to erect boxes in hedgerows in his fields bordering Bedford Purlieus Wood.
Spurred on by the dormouse revival, Clive Fuller from 1150 acre Cross Leys Farm, is working with Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust and volunteers to erect boxes in hedgerows in his fields bordering Bedford Purlieus Wood.
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