2 days ago
First baby dormice born in Bradgate Park conservation milestone
The first baby dormice have been born at a park in Leicestershire as part of a project to boost the population of the tiny than 20 hazel dormice were released at Bradgate Park, near Newtown Linford, over the have been living in open cages in a secret location in the staff said 11 baby dormice were found on Monday during inspections of the cages, along with 19 nests.
"It's really good news," said Holly Woodward, the Bradgate Park Trust's learning and engagement officer."There may be more [baby dormice] out there that we haven't seen yet, but it's great to know that they are actually breeding."
Hazel dormice are a native rodent to the UK and are the only one with a distinctive furry tail, and while they can live in many habitats, they favour woodlands and the dormouse population has declined by 70% nationally since 2000, and the species is now extinct in 20 English counties, according to a 2023 a statement on social media, the trust said: "This milestone is not just a win for conservation but a real testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in their release and ongoing monitoring.
