January 19th, 2010
Hazel Dormice Find New Home
The pretty, little Hazel Dormouse has found a new home in Backwell (Somerset), after the local community pulled together to buy a neglected piece of land called Jubilee Stone Wood and restore it to its former glory.
This small British mammal can be distinguished by its big black eyes and bushy tail. It is almost entirely nocturnal, so spotting one is a real treat.
Due to the decline in woodland habitats throughout the country, the dormouse has been under threat of extinction. But Backwell Environment Trust, a local voluntary group have now provided the Dormouse with a well-deserved and long overdue habitat.
Jubilee Stone Wood, was purchased by the group with the sole intention of turning it into a nature reserve. Once these mammals were spotted, 30 dormice boxes were provided to offer secure shelter and a place to breed and raise their young.
Backwell Environment Trust was set up by the locals when they realised that Jubilee Stone was up for sale, with painstaking commitment they have turned it into a beautiful nature reserve and are now enjoying the return of many different types of wildlife.