Bringing rare dormice back to Calke Abbey in Derbyshire

Hazel dormice are among the rarest animals in the UK, but we're working with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species to ensure their survival. After years of work to prepare the right conditions, 38 dormice have been reintroduced into secluded woodland at Calke Abbey, in Derbyshire.
Since the National Trust took ownership of Calke in 1985, the ranger team have managed the estate to support an array of different wildlife, from numerous raptor species and mammals down to the smallest of invertebrates.
In the last decade, the team have been improving the existing habitats found across the estate and increasing the amount of specific habitats such as wood pasture. More than 3,000 trees have been planted so far and we plan more tree-planting and hedge-widening to create a nature-rich corridor for wildlife between Calke’s existing woodlands.
We’ve removed non-native larch, created glades and replanted with a variety of broadleaved trees. We're making sure the area contains a number of different species of different ages, which will provide lots of secure places for dormice to forage and nest.
Despite once being a common feature of the UK’s woodlands, PTES’s ‘State of Britain’s Dormice’ 2019 report shows that nationwide populations have declined by 51 percent since 2000 and dormice are now considered extinct in 17 English counties.
All the dormice released were provided by the Common Dormouse Captive Breeders Group (CDCBG) after undergoing an eight-week quarantine and being health-checked by expert vets from Paignton Zoo and Zoological Society of London. After reintroduction day, the dormice were allowed to acclimatise to their new surroundings from the safety of their nest boxes, with food and water nearby.
A team of trained Calke volunteers will continue to monitor the hazel dormice over the coming months and years to ensure they remain healthy, and in time they should breed and disperse into nearby woodlands to create a self-sustaining wider population.
We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference. Nature, beauty, history. For everyone, for ever. You can donate to us at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate
Subscribe to our RUclips channel: ruclips.net/user/nationaltrust...
Find things to do near you: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sear...
Like us on Facebook: / nationaltrust
Follow us on Instagram: / nationaltrust
Follow us on Twitter: / nationaltrust
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate

[@carolinejayes157]

Beautiful we want more of these ,keep an eye on them.!

[@maudline]

So cute🐹

[@daniellemurphy9755]

I BLOODY LOVE DORMICE!!!! 😍😍😍😍😆😆😆😆🤘

[@gwinniboots]

Adorable little creature! 🥰

[@laylawright9659]

So sweet great work ❤

[@lynnjones4291]

Ah bless ❤

[@scrubjay93]

They are so adorable - I hope the effort is a success!

[@heatherjones6647]

Stay away from mad hatters and they'll be fine.