Dormice reintroduced at park to boost population

The dormouse population is said to have dropped by 70% nationally since 2000

More than 20 hazel dormice have been reintroduced to Leicestershire as part of a project to boost the species' declining numbers.

To help them adapt, the animals will be housed in open cages in a secret location within Bradgate Park, near Newton Linford, before being released into the wild.

The dormouse population has dropped by 70% nationally since 2000, and the species is now extinct in 20 English counties, according to a 2023 report.

Ian White, dormouse and training officer at the People's Trust for Endangered Species, said the reintroduction could provide "vital stepping stones to start a new population of dormice".

"We're hopeful that by autumn, the dormice will have settled into the woodland," he added.

"If we start to see litters later this year, it will mark the beginning of their return.

"It's a big day for the county, as dormice haven't been seen here for a very long time."

Ian White said it could take over a century to restore dormice numbers

Volunteers will monitor the dormice daily over a 10-day period, topping up food and water while the animals adjust to their new surroundings.

During this time, the dormice will remain in mesh enclosures before being released to forage for themselves.

As they settle in, they are expected to begin breeding and dispersing into surrounding woodland and hedgerows.

Volunteer Hazel Edwards, who helped prepare the site, said: "A couple of weeks ago we started setting up large open cages in the woods so the dormice would acclimatise.

"From today, we'll feed and care for them daily. The cages are filled with fresh hazel twigs, water, and food.

"After about 10 days, we'll open the cages, and they'll move into nesting boxes we've placed nearby. Hopefully, those will become their forever homes."

Mr White added the reintroduction formed "part of a long-term effort" to bring the species back to Leicestershire.

He said: "It took 100 years for numbers to fall - restoring them will take just as long."