Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleOver 40 rare hazel dormice have been released into ancient woodland (People's Trust for Endangered Species)Over 40 rare hazel dormice have been released into ancient woodland on the Bradgate Park Trust estate in Leicestershire, as part of national conservation efforts. This reintroduction aims to bolster the county's only known dormouse population, which was established by a successful release of 21 dormice in 2025. The initiative by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) addresses a dramatic national decline of over 70 per cent in dormouse numbers since 2000, attributed to habitat loss and the destruction of neglect of hedgerows. The captive-bred dormice have been given health checks and quarantine before being released into nest boxes within large mesh enclosures to help them acclimatise to the woodland. According to PTES, 1,163 dormice have been released into 27 woodlands in 14 British counties since the programme began in 1993.In fullHope for rare dormice as over 40 released into ancient Leicestershire woodlandThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Rare hazel dormice released into ancient woodland in conservation push
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleOver 40 rare hazel dormice have been released into ancient woodland (People's Trust for Endangered Species)Over 40 rare hazel dormice have been released into ancient woodland on the Bradgate Park Trust estate in Leicestershire, as part of national conservation efforts. This reintroduction aims to bolster the county's only known dormouse population, which was established by a successful release of 21 dormice in 2025. The initiative by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) addresses a dramatic national decline of over 70 per cent in dormouse numbers since 2000, attributed to habitat loss and the destruction of neglect of hedgerows. The captive-bred dormice have been given health checks and quarantine before being released into nest boxes within large mesh enclosures to help them acclimatise to the woodland. According to PTES, 1,163 dormice have been released into 27 woodlands in 14 British counties since the programme began in 1993.In fullHope for rare dormice as over 40 released into ancient Leicestershire woodlandThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
