THIRTY-NINE hazel dormice have been released in woodland to create a ‘northern-stronghold’ in an effort to protect the under-threat species.
The reintroduction into woodland near Arnside, is led by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), the National Trust, and delivered by the University of Cumbria’s Back On Our Map project, and partners.
The annual dormouse reintroductions (which are part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme) began in 1993 and have been managed by PTES since 2000.
Last year, 30 hazel dormice were released into a National Trust owned woodland in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Ian White, dormouse and training officer for PTES said: “Hazel dormice have declined by a staggering 51 per cent since 2000 and are considered extinct in 17 English counties.
“The only way we can rebuild their populations is to continue managing known habitats correctly to ensure the survival of any existing populations and to carefully release healthy, captive bred dormice into well-managed woodlands.
“We hope this year’s dormice will thrive in their new home, and in time will meet the population we reintroduced last year to create Lancashire’s first self-sustaining metapopulation.”
Jamie Armstrong, ranger for the National Trust said:“Our woodlands have been carefully managed by National Trust rangers and volunteers for decades to ensure that they support a wide range of flora and fauna.
“This work has led to a diverse woodland structure which makes the chosen area the ideal habitat for dormice.
“This, coupled with its close proximity to the 2021 reintroduction site, will hopefully create a thriving population which will spread throughout neighbouring woodlands.”
Ellie Kent,species officer for BOOM, said: “Last year was a landmark year for dormice, and we are thrilled to report that the 2021 population is doing really well, with several juveniles born last autumn having survived the winter.
“Reintroducing a further population this year is another pivotal moment for all involved, particularly for our volunteers who give up their time to helpus feed the dormice in their first few months,and conduct regular checks to make sure they remain healthy.
“We are very proud to work alongside our volunteers, local and national partners to create a northern stronghold for dormice on the Lancashire/Cumbria border.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here