We are delighted to share the results from our 2024 Hazel Dormouse monitoring surveys at Birling Estate, which have been submitted to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. Hazel Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) are one of the UK’s most elusive and threatened mammals, making our findings all the more exciting.
We are delighted to confirm the presence of breeding dormice at Birling Estate, with individuals recorded across both of our monitored woodland areas, plus a litter of four juveniles. This is hugely encouraging given the species’ scarcity and the challenges they face due to habitat fragmentation.
Ensuring long-term habitat connectivity is key to the survival of Hazel Dormice. Research has shown that dormice rely on well-connected woodlands and dense hedgerow corridors to thrive. At Birling Estate, we are committed to enhancing and expanding suitable habitat, including the planting of 1,500m of new hedgerow over the next three years as part of our Countryside Stewardship commitments, with an additional 1,000m planned in the longer term. This connectivity will be vital in supporting dormice movement and population stability, particularly in the wider North Kent Woods and Downs landscape. We are also exploring research opportunities to better understand how dormice use hedgerows and new woodland understories.
We are grateful to all those supporting our dormouse conservation efforts and look forward to another year of valuable monitoring and habitat improvement. If you would like to learn more about our conservation work or get involved, please get in touch!
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