Nine dormice found in east Devon

Nine dormice have been found in east Devon during November

Nine dormice, a declining species, have been recorded in east Devon during November.

The People's Trust for Endangered Species said the species had declined by 70% since 2000, with a total loss of the species from 20 English counties.

Regular monitoring by East Devon District Council's countryside team led to the creatures being found on two nature reserves.

Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, countryside and environment for the Liberal Democrats, said the council would "continue our efforts to improve nature conservation here".

Habitat loss and degradation, compounded by climate change were cited as main reasons for the declining numbers.

The council’s countryside manager, James Chubb, said four of the dormice had been found at Holyford Woods near Seaton with the others about seven miles away at Knapp Copse.

He said: "At Knapp Copse, we only installed the monitoring system last winter, so to find five dormice in our November check is really encouraging."

Will Dommett, the council’s district ecologist, said: “East Devon is a hotspot for dormice thanks to its extensive woodland cover and good interconnection of the sites across the wider landscape through the network of hedgerows.

"Protecting our existing woodland and hedgerow network is critical, as is the creation of new deciduous woods, preferably through the process of natural regeneration."