Funding boost for Devon's dormice

By blackandblue1 | Thursday, January 28, 2010, 13:29

Devon Wildlife Trust has received a £4986 grant from the Pennon Environment Fund, aimed at improving the conservation of Dormice.

Devon Wildlife Trust has received a £4986 grant to help Devon's dormice.

The funding will help DWT officers to implement and enhance coppicing regimes over the coming months. Various sites across Devon, including Lady’s Wood and Dunsford nature reserve will benefit.

Dormice thrive in woodland with hazel coppice, as hazelnut is a major part of their diet. Feeding throughout Autumn, allows the dormice to plump up, ready for the winter ahead. Devon Wildlife Trust reserves are some of the most significant and protected strongholds.

DWT’s Reserve Officer, Jackie Gage said, ‘The money will help pay for our time on the reserve coppicing the hazel trees so that they are kept in the best possible condition for the population of dormice.’

The next few months will see the dormice monitored by using nest boxes and nest tubes, with the help of volunteers. Already, this part of the project has been paid for with the grant money.

‘It’s important that we continue to monitor populations in Devon, particularly as we are the Biodiversity Action Plan lead partner for the species. We cannot continue the important work without the volunteer and financial support which this funding gives us,’ Jackie added.

Let us know if you’ve spotted any dormice in your hedgerows or other habitats. Maybe take a snap and show it in the gallery!