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Dormice Thrive in Devon Despite National Decline
8 Nov
Summary
- Hazel dormice are thriving at Killerton, bucking national population decline.
- Habitat restoration and a nest box scheme support the local dormouse population.
- Devon is a stronghold for dormice due to its extensive hedge network.
Hazel dormice populations are showing resilience at the National Trust's Killerton estate in Devon, defying a national trend of significant decline. While UK populations have fallen by over two-thirds since 2000, primarily due to habitat fragmentation, Killerton's efforts are yielding positive results. Rangers have established 100 nest boxes and diligently monitor the dormice, which typically weigh between 20g and 40g, from April to October.
The success at Killerton is credited to the creation of a healthy, diverse, and well-connected habitat. Senior ranger Fi Hailstone emphasizes the importance of managing existing woodlands and the vital role of plants like bramble, which offer flowers, berries, and essential cover for nesting and protection from predators. Devon's extensive hedge network further bolsters the dormouse population, making it a stronghold.
Monitoring since 2018 has revealed stable dormouse numbers at Killerton, with indications of the population spreading across the estate due to increased hedge and tree planting. While the benefits of new woodland planting may take a century to fully materialize for dormice, ongoing positive management of current woodlands is crucial. The trust hopes the mammals will soon enter hibernation, prepared for the winter ahead.
