Hazel dormice in England’s ancient Forest of Dean are benefiting from high-level wildlife corridors designed to help them travel safely. Forestry England had to cut down trees in the area due to Chalara ash dieback, causing the habitats of endangered hazel dormice to be fragmented. However, two 20-metre-long ladders have been installed in the forest near Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, to enable the creatures to travel safely between treetops once more. Trail cameras will be fitted over the summer to monitor the dormice using the bridges.
The hazel dormouse is a designated protected species in the UK and across Europe. Its populations have fallen by almost half in the last 30 years due to the loss of quality woodland and hedgerows. Hazel dormice prefer woodlands with mosaic habitats traditionally managed through coppicing, causing the decline of this practice has had a significant impact. Dormice tend not to like coming to the ground, and the habitat fragmentation caused by felling trees has made this even less likely, leaving them feeling exposed and vulnerable to predators.
Area ecologist at Forestry England, Kate Wollen, said the rope bridges will enable dormice to feel safer as they cross from one part of the wood to another. She added that “We hope the bridges will complement this work and that the dormice will do well. We’ve never tried this before, and it is exciting to see what will happen.” The project would not have been possible without the help of volunteers, one of whom has been monitoring local dormice populations for 20 years, said Forestry England community ranger Leoni Dawson.
This remarkable initiative provides hope that efforts can be made to reverse the decline of hazel dormice populations and preserve the species for the future
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