Dormice released at Brampton Wood for conservation project

In 1993, a group of biologists and volunteers gathered in Brampton Wood for the release of some hazel dormice.

The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants (WTBCN) had bought this ancient woodland in 1992, successfully fundraising to purchase it from the MOD, just in time to provide an ideal habitat for dormice a year later.

Dr Pat Morris with one of the release cages at Brampton Wood in 1993. (Image: Pat Morris)

The descendants of this first population at Brampton Wood, sourced from Somerset, survives and have now expanded beyond the perimeter. They have been found in the hedgerows beyond the wood.

Alistair Grant carries out a dormouse box check at Brampton Wood. (Image: Nik Shelton)

An additional seven dormice have now been added to increase the genetic diversity of the existing population, as part of a nationwide annual dormouse reintroduction programme managed by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).

Ian White, dormouse and training officer for People’s Trust for Endangered Species says: “Hazel dormice were reintroduced to Brampton Wood in 1993; the very first dormouse reintroduction in the UK.

"The fact that descendants of this initial population are still present after 30 years is a testament to the hard work by the Wildlife Trust BCN and their volunteers who manage the woodland so that it remains suitable for dormice and a range of other woodland species.

“This summer we introduced seven more dormice to Brampton in order to increase the genetic diversity of the existing population.

"This was a necessary step to ensure the long-term survival of a species that's declined nationally by 51 per cent since 2000.

"Reintroducing any species can have its challenges, but Brampton Wood shows that when the right habitat is correctly managed, dormouse reintroductions can be a success and populations can thrive.

"This is very encouraging for dormice and gives hope for other reintroduced populations across the country too.”

According to PTES’ 'State of Britain's Dormice 2019 report', nationwide populations have declined by a staggering 51 per cent since 2000 and dormice are considered extinct in 17 English counties.

Biologist and zoologist Dr Pat Morris oversaw the initial programme on behalf of the now defunct Nature Conservancy Council, with six years of research subsequent to the 1993 release.

“The NCC wanted to understand if dormice were rare – and if so then why? They were looking to reestablish the species in counties that had lost populations during the last 100 years – 1908 was the last record for any in Cambridgeshire," explains Dr Morris.

On the preparation for the first reintroduction, Dr Morris recalls: “It was painstaking as the dormice were fitted with radio trackers, and the transmitters were not all that accurate; very long lengths of wire had to be laid on a longitude and latitude grid which was very laborious.

"They then had to be tracked at night; we hand made the release cages with coca-cola bottles in drainpipes for a water supply!”

Over the past three decades Wildlife Trust volunteers have been "essential" in the dormouse programme at Brampton Wood.

Alistair Grant and Dr Gwen Hitchcock at the dormice cage check in Brampton Wood. (Image: Nik Shelton)

Involved all the way from the initial reintroduction team to conducting annual surveys (May to September), the logging of data, along with all the groups who have made dormouse boxes, from men in sheds group to local schools and colleges.

Beginning in 1993, annual dormouse reintroductions - part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme - have been managed by PTES since 2000.

PTES has continued to work with other NGOs and volunteers, releasing more than 1,112 hazel dormice into 26 different woodlands in 13 counties all over the UK. Their ongoing success is only possible thanks to a unique partnership of organisations and volunteers working tirelessly to help bring hazel dormice back from the brink.