So, the ongoing saga of establishing if we have hazel dormice or not, is now on hold for the winter. If the little critters are indeed inhabiting our hedgerow, then they're probably just about now settling down to a few months of well behaved social isolation in their hibernation homes.
Much as I'd love dormice to be living in our beautiful hazel hedgerow, it would be much more convenient if we could encourage them to move in AFTER all the works are finished! Since last July, our ecologist has been doing regular surveys by checking the 40+ 'dormouse tubes' strategically placed along the hedgerow to check for evidence of dormice in residence. So far none have been found. I'm sure you will know that hazel dormice are critically endangered in the UK, so if we do find them in our hedge it will mean long delays for being able to move said hedge, which needs to be done to comply with the planning conditions. We've just had the last of the surveys done before the frosts hit, and found some 'yellow necked mice', who despite still being incredibly cute are not on the endangered list so don't count! However, they were safely moved to a safe new home, and I'm told are very happy there. They are also further from next door's cat, so all is well.
So, much as it grates me to say, we are rather hoping not to find any dormice, at least until 2022 anyway. The hunt will recommence in the spring for a couple more months. In the meantime the other endangered wildlife (ie. the various species of bats) will keep us busy, as well as delayed, throughout the winter. But that's another story...
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