The Hazel Dormouse has been known in Warwickshire since the late 1800s, but recently it has been faring badly in the county. Fortunately, the Warwickshire Dormouse Conservation Group have stepped in to try and reverse the trend and boost populations of this charismatic rodent in The Midlands. While the results of their work have been mixed, there is renewed hope that Warwickshire may once again become an important Dormouse county; Ruth Moffatt tells the story.
This year more Hazel Dormice Muscardinus avellanarius will begin a new life in Warwickshire, part of continuing attempts to revive the animal’s fortunes in the heart of England.