Forest of Dean: Mini rope bridges built to help hazel dormice

The rope bridges help dormice move between trees and stay protected from predators

You might have been to an adventure course in a forest before - but you won't be able to take on these new rope bridges in the Forest of Dean.

That's because they're not made for humans at all.

Forestry England have built two 20 metre treetop crossings to help hazel dormice living there travel to different parts of the wood.

The rodents' habitats had become disconnected after some diseased ash trees were taken down, but these new bridges will allow them to move around safely without needing to put their feet on the ground.

According to Forestry England, hazel dormice like to live in woodland or hedgerow trees and shrubs during the warmer months

Kate Wollen, an ecologist working at Forestry England, said: "Dormice do not like to come to ground except for hibernation. They feel vulnerable to predators when on the ground."

Hazel dormice are classed as vulnerable when it comes to their conservation status, which means that there is a risk of extinction.

So anything that can help them find new places to live safely above ground will be good news to our furry friends.

When summer arrives, Forestry England will put trail cameras on the bridges to see how the dormice use them.