volumevolume 1 1 2013 2013 thedormouse monitor the newsletter of the national monitoring programme

people’s trust for endangered species |

INSIDE Using genetics to aid dormouse conservation How our dormice fared in 2012 Monitoring dormice in hedgerows in Wales volume 1 2013 Welcome Contents Jigsaw dormouse work on the Isle of Wight 3

The best laid plans: what causes nest box sites to lapse or to last? 4

The woodland manager’s dilemma: mini- at Orley Common, Devon 6

Dormice monitoring throughout England and Wales, 2012 8

Is it a ? Is it a ? No it’s a dormouse 14 Welcome to the fi rst volume of The Dormouse Monitor dormice on the edge 15 2013. In this edition we have a thorough overview Lincolnshire dormouse group 16 of the data that you, our stalwart volunteers, sent NEW dormouse book 17 in last year. Thank you for all of your eff orts and we How can genetics aid the conservation of the hazel dormouse in the UK? 18 hope that you enjoy Ian’s article. It would appear And fi nally... 20 that our hazel dormouse population faced substantial challenges throughout 2012, mostly due to the weather conditions. Let’s hope we have a better year, this year. Thank you also to all our contributors who have provided fascinating articles on dormouse genetics, using hair tubes to monitor for mustelids - with interesting results - and other news from monitors far and wide. This year we are holding a special dormouse conference - more information and how to book tickets on the back People's Trust for Endangered Species page. 15 Cloisters House And fi nally good luck with 8 Battersea Park Road London your box checks this year SW8 4BG and if you are not already set up to submit your data www.ptes.org online, please contact Susan Tel: 020 7498 4533 who will be only too happy [email protected] to help by emailing Susan. Registered charity number 274206 Sharafi @ptes.org or call her on 020 7498 4533. The National Dormouse Monitoring Programme is funded by PTES and Natural England. The Dormouse Monitor is compiled by Nida Al Fulaij & Susan Sharafi . Cover image kindly provided by Hugh Clark. Printed by 4-print on environmentally friendly paper. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the People’s Trust for Best wishes Endangered Species.

Nida Al Fulaij & Susan Sharafi

2 the dormouse monitor

2 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 JIGSAW dormouse work on the Isle of Wight

PTES funded a project run planted at various times with the nest being found Small trapping by Hampshire and Isle of since the scheme began in two months before we was undertaken at two of Wight Wildlife Trust to look 2000. At four of the sites 25 fi nally found the occupant the sites to fi nd out what at the success of woodland tubes were deployed, while in residence, a nice healthy else was inhabiting the areas. planting schemes at at the fi fth site 25 boxes were female which was in torpor In total fi ve species of small aiding the dispersal and erected. These were checked on our fi nal check. mammal were found. Most establishment of dormice on up to eight times between Nests were found at all fi ve individuals that were caught the Isle of Wight. May and October 2012. survey sites, suggesting that were wood mice, but there The Joining and Increasing The surveys proved quite a they are at least investigating were also common shrew, Grant Scheme for Ancient challenge, with nettles and these new areas. It highlights pygmy shrew, and Woodland (JIGSAW) was a thistles that were taller than the potential for these sites fi eld vole. Many of the new Forestry Commission scheme the surveyors growing up to support a dormouse woodlands are being planted designed to extend and link over the summer making it population once they have on old agricultural fi elds so existing areas of woodland. diffi cult to quietly approach become more established, the presence of a range of On the island this resulted the tubes. This did result in a having developed an species refl ects the transition in the creation of 225 couple of dormice escaping understorey, a connected these areas are currently hectares of new broadleaf from the tubes before we canopy and regularly fruiting going through. woodland. While the aim of got to them but luckily they hazel. It is very encouraging to the scheme was to reduce didn’t go far, often sitting at In addition to the tube and fi nd dormice at two of the woodland fragmentation, a safe distance up the tree. box checks, nut hunts were survey sites. It demonstrates it also had the potential Dormice were found at conducted at all the sites in that the planting of to aid the dispersal and two of the older, more November. The nut hunts woodland to create links and establishment of small established sites. Only one found dormouse-nibbled reduce fragmentation can mammal populations for dormouse was ever seen hazelnuts at the same two have a positive benefi t for species such as red on a single visit, but at one sites that the dormice were a range of small , and dormouse. site there were likely to recorded in. Nuts were also including dormice. This project looked at have been at least three found to have been eaten the success of JIGSAW for diff erent dormice due to by red (as there are Sarah Bignell small mammals, using the their life stage and location. no grey squirrels on the Isle Ecologist, Hampshire & dormouse as an indicator. At the second site only one of Wight) meaning that they Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Five sites on the island dormouse was recorded. It are also making use of the were chosen that had been proved elusive for a while new woodland areas. SARAH BIGNELL

the dormouse monitor 3 volume 1 2013 The best laid plans: what causes nest box site

Devon has many NDMP caused existing or potential conclusions as to why, I about grant funding and sites including some of sites to falter, or, conversely, would suggest that the two training. the fi rst to be set up, such continue to be actively most infl uential factors are: In contrast, for as Andrew’s Wood which monitored. a) obtaining boxes or the organisations with active, was site number one in the funding needed to make locally based, licensed NDMP, established over 20 Some results boxes, and b) having a volunteers, and access to years ago and is still going No two sites were the licensed person on board to resources for supplying strong. By contrast Duryard, same of course, each with support the site(s). boxes (at a few sites, via their near Exeter, site 598, and the individual histories and In some notable cases, own timber and in-house Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary circumstances, but some monitoring schemes have carpentry), new sites have (see autumn 2012 issue) are recurring factors were collapsed immediately on evolved rapidly, from fi rst much more recent. common to both situations; departure of a key licensed proposal to the start of the There are over 40 regularly the diff erence was that the person, even where there monitoring in a matter of checked NDMP sites in the active sites generally had the were buoyant dormouse weeks. Such prerequisites county, though there are means to overcome certain populations. There seems to seem to be in place at many several more which over problems which triggered be no shortage of potential of the longer established the years have either been other sites to fail. The new sites or interest as schemes hosted by National checked only briefl y or fi ndings are summarised in Devon is a sizeable county Parks and AONBs, Local intermittently, fallen into the table below. in which dormice are widely Authority countryside ranger disrepair, lapsed entirely, or It may not have been recorded. However several services, countryside visitor have never quite made it a single cause but a such potential new sites attractions, and charities to becoming full sites. With combination that either led have run out of steam, the such as the county Wildlife this in mind, I carried out a certain sites to lapse or not momentum dissipating Trust. Another noteworthy mini-review to identify what to get going. To draw some leaving unresolved questions example is the Okehampton

Table 1. Some factors which have helped or hindered monitoring of Devon NDMP sites (numbers of sites in square brackets; some counted under several categories. N=72 sites, 42 existing, 30 potential)

More likely to be actively monitored Less likely to be actively monitored

• Sites owned and/or managed by wildlife or • Site’s main management objective is not wildlife conservation/ conservation organisations (e.g. wildlife charity, public amenity (e.g. forestry, quarry, farm holding) [20] Local Authority rangers, countryside visitor • Site managers unable to take on additional work [19] (can also attraction, statutory agency). Monitored, and aff ect hard pressed wildlife charities!) volunteers supported, as core part of ongoing site work [45]

• Scheme supported by licensed box checker(s), • No licensed box checker to monitor boxes or train others; site owner often with regular team of helpers, often not licensed/needs training [17] volunteers [52] • Licensed checker does not have time to check site(s) [13] • Site relatively local to helpers [45] • Original licensed checker moves on and is not replaced [9]

• Funding and resources for boxes and ongoing • No funding for boxes (commercially £10-12 per box, or £500-600+ maintenance [43] to set up a scheme) [25] • Capacity to make own boxes [4] • No funding/resources for box replacements [8]

• Site has dormouse records/known presence of • No records, many negative checks, dwindling interest [2] dormice [66]

Other factors e.g. • Persistent vandalism, disturbance, theft of boxes [3] • Access and safety restrictions on private land [4] • Site not large enough to support 30+ boxes [2] • Site too close to existing monitoring site • Site does not wish to become part of NDMP

4 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 sites to lapse or to last?

55 Dormouse Group, which RIGHT: Devon 50 monitors six local sites dormouse records held 45 by Devon Biodiversity around the town and two 40 nearby Highways Agency Records Centre 10 15 SS ST 35

sites, through a core team of 30

licensed volunteers. 25 A practical suggestion to 20 make monitoring schemes BELOW: Some of the 15 more resilient might then NDMP sites across 10 be to have, where possible, Devon that were 05 monitored during 2012 00 more than one licensed 20 95 25 DEVON BIODIVERSITY CENTRE RECORDS person who knows and can 40 SX 90 check the site, and ongoing 85 30 15 2025 30 35 resources to make and, 80 10

importantly, replace boxes. Finally there may 75 05 70 But this mini-review also be other reasons 35 prompted some further for box schemes 65 SY 60 thoughts: perhaps some than collecting 00 turnover of helpers at both monitoring data. 55 50 old and new sites should be The added value 45 40 45 50 55 90 95 expected? Also, with over to be gained 40 60 40 monitoring sites in the from community 35 65 7075 80 85 county, isn’t this enough? engagement, or as Devon is a large rural a project focus for county where most sites habitat management, with Stephen Carroll have originated by self- the hazel dormouse as the Devon Dormouse Group selection on behalf of an fl agship species, cannot be interested landowner; underestimated. dormice appear to be relatively widespread but this does not refl ect the distribution of NDMP sites, leaving some conspicuous gaps. An aspiration is to get more consistent coverage of the county, and a wider range of non-deciduous woodland habitats represented. There is also an eff ort to uphold continuity of survey eff ort, by rejuvenating lapsed schemes, and teaming up licence holders and trainees with sites that need monitoring, whilst building more capacity for training. Another future source of new sites might be box schemes established as part of mitigation for building developments. Beyond this, greater monitoring allows statistically sound trends to be identifi ed from county or regional studies (which we are told increases progressively past a threshold of 25 sites).

the dormouse monitor 5 volume 1 2013 The woodland manager’s dilemma: mini-copp At Orley Common, South relatively small site we had Devon, the rangers have the a dilemma: how should challenge of balancing the we reinstate management, management of a public which would include open-space with looking clearing areas and disturbing after a nature reserve. This wildlife, without impacting means taking into account the dormouse population? the needs of dormice and We decided to reintroduce other wildlife, as well as coppicing within three considering how the reserve coupes a year, ranging in is used and perceived by the size from 20x20m blocks to general public. 30x30m blocks. There were The 20ha limestone site is about 6-8 neglected stools an important one within the per coupe. We experimented county. About two-thirds with coppicing mature trees of the site is comprised of up to 1.5ft stump-width to old coppice and standards, ground level and these have generate brash and create without the risk of deer ancient woodland indicators been the most vigorous barriers, establishing blocks browsing. and dense blackthorn stools to recover. of woodland to be left Additional brash barriers scrub. Some areas contain Traditional dead- undisturbed by visitors. have allowed the ground mature leggy scrub, blocks brash was used at each Four years on the fi rst fl ora to recover and provided of derelict ancient coppice coupe up to 1.5m to protect coppice compartments, much needed blocks of stools and a few standard both from deer-browsing which were created in 2008, undisturbed woodland. trees for natural nesting sites. and visitor disturbance. have signs of fantastic re- Coppicing with small Little management had been We managed to create a growth from the coppice coupes has started to undertaken in the wood manageable coupe size stools and ground fl ora. create a mosaic of age for the previous 60 years, within one day with the help During the box checks we structure and species types but nut hunts confi rmed of up to eight volunteers. have noticed that dormice throughout the woodland that dormice were present The coppice rotation is set are using the boxes on the while retaining connectivity across the common. In 2008, to a minimum of 15 years edge of the coppice coupes for dormice. Crucially, the coppicing was reintroduced. allowing a range of species rather than those in the balance has been struck for This traditional practice of to mature well. The box areas that are not coppiced. the public, who are still free cutting selected tree species scheme and yearly nut hunts By ensuring that coppice to roam, although subtlety back to ground-level to help to monitor the eff ects of coupes are of a manageble directed, and biodiversity produce greenwood product the management. The boxes size for the available which has benefi ted from also ensures that light are set in a rough transect manpower, we can small scale management. reaches the woodland fl oor, between the coppice coupes increase the likelihood that the trees grow back more incorporating non-coppiced management will continue Leo Henley-Lock & Stephen vigorously and that there is sections, giving a rough in the long-term. Carroll an improved age-structure comparison between the The dead-hedging lasts within the woodland. two habitat types. Thinning roughly 2-3 years allowing For more info contact In taking on the of standards was also the hazel re-growth and Leo at Leo.henley-lock@ management of such a carried out in some areas to ground fl ora to pull away teignbridge.gov.uk

6 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 ppicing at Orley Common, Devon

OrlO eyy Common consin sts of wooodland, scrsc ub and grassland ALL IMAGES LEO HENLEY-LOCK ALL IMAGES

BELBEBEELLOW:OWOW:W NeNewwc coppoopppppiceicece cocoupeuppepe susurrorooundundndeded byb deaeead hedhededginggiiinng

BELBEBELELOWOW LEFLELEEFFT:T: AftAfAfftterer foufofouourry yeareaeaarrsst thehe deadeaeaddh hedgeeddgdge hasas colcocolollapllaapapsedsseeedd bubutth hasas suffisusuffiuffi cieniieeenntlytltly prprevevevententtteeddd deereeeerer brbrowsowowssingngng toto allalll owow vigvviigoroororoousus newnneewew grgrowtoowwtw h

the dormouse monitor 7 volume 1 2013 Dormice monitoring throughout England and W

The Met Offi ce’s description In the meantime we have of the weather in 2012 is taken a crude look at the Fig, 1. England and succinct and understated: regional data out of interest. Wales divided into nine regions. ‘a year of dramatic contrast.’ The total dormouse numbers But did the dramatic weather recorded each year were have an eff ect on our native divided by month and the dormice? Anecdotal reports number of boxes checked in throughout the year seemed each region noted. In some to suggest that there were regions, specifi cally in the sites where dormouse midlands and northern parts numbers, as recorded for of the country, the numbers the NDMP, were either down of boxes checked is very low; compared with previous for example of the 17,500 years or they were absent boxes checked nationally in from the boxes. Other sites, May 2012 only 729 (4.2%) however, recorded good were in northern England numbers relative to previous and 1,157 (6.6%) in the years, some sites having Midlands. Wales fared rather their highest ever numbers. better with 2,137 (12.2%) Overall it didn’t look good boxes checked. – a total of 5,402 dormice The number of were recorded in 110,558 dormice recorded in the boxes checked (2.44 per 50 southern counties of boxes) which didn’t compare England throughout May favourably with 2011 when approximately refl ects the 8,904 dormice were recorded number of dormice recorded in 117,485 boxes checked per 50 boxes nationally. northern counties increased West, it seems that dormice (3.78 dormice per 50 boxes). More northerly counties from below the national manage quite well in the With the confl icting reports show a much greater average to approximate wetter parts of our island of numbers found in 2012, variation. In central England it since 2008. In Wales the (Fig. 2). this seemed like a very good the numbers have been number of dormice recorded If we take a look at time to look at the NDMP below the national average per 50 boxes is consistently dormouse numbers per data regionally allowing us for the past three years. By above the national average month over the course of a to compare site data more contrast the numbers of and, as a similar pattern is year we would expect the locally, rather than just dormice recorded in the demonstrated in the South numbers recorded in May nationally. At present the NDMP provides data for a national dormouse trend to be produced but, with the exception of Devon and Kent, there is generally insuffi cient data for regional analysis. We decided to divide England and Wales into nine regions along county boundaries. Within each of these nine regions it is hoped that, over time, a minimum of 40 NDMP sites will be established. This will enable us to analyse the regional data as robustly as we analyse the national data.

8 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 d Wales, 2012

and June to be exceeded by the numbers recorded in September or October, as the population will have swelled by the addition of the year’s young. This is indeed what is generally found. For example, in a year where a reasonable number of dormice are recorded, such as 2007, the number of dormice recorded per 50 boxes in May and June was 2.78 and 2.63 respectively. In September this had swollen to 5.0 and was still higher at 4.35 in October. These fi gures will however hide in June. It did not really the spring fi gures. Curiously fi ve age classes: pink, grey some regional variation as improve over the summer in all regions the number of eyes closed, grey eyes open, shown in Fig. 3. It suggests and by autumn 3.90 dormice recorded in October juvenile and adult. The fi rst that there was limited dormice were recorded was lower than those three are grouped together evidence of a population in September and 2.38 in recorded in September. Is as young and are considered increase over the year October. These national this a consequence of poor to be that have not in Central England, the fi gures again hide some survival of young of the year yet been weaned. These Midlands, Northern England regional variation (Fig. 4), or early hibernation? ages can be classifi ed by and West England. Although although, with the exception It is diffi cult to determine weight, or an average there was a good indication of the spring records in exactly when dormice start weight can be allocated if of a healthy population southern England, numbers to go into hibernation but the age class is recorded. It increase by September of dormice recorded were the NDMP does hold data becomes more complicated in Wales, the number of generally lower than in on whether dormice are with juveniles, which are dormice recorded in October 2007. There appears to have torpid, active or dead. We weaned young of the was lower than it had been been little evidence of a also ask people to record year, and adults, which are in spring. population increase over the dormouse weights and considered to be those that In 2012 the number of year in the Midlands, South age classes. Sometimes it have gone through their fi rst dormice recorded per 50 England and Wales but in is not possible to record hibernation. It is impossible boxes was lower than in all other regions there is the ’s weight but it to separate juveniles and 2007, with 1.96 recorded an increase in numbers by is important that the age adults on the basis of weight

in May and 2.26 recorded September compared with class is recorded. There are alone because the weight SHERWELL LOUISE

the dormouse monitor 9 volume 1 2013 Dormice monitoring throughout England and W

more dormice than usual, was anything else happening that could cause low numbers of dormice to be recorded? A warm March gave way to the wettest April on record, which set the trend for the weather for much of the rest of the year. After average rainfall for May, both June and July were exceptionally wet months with temperatures slightly below average. Autumn brought no respite and September again was the wettest on record. Temperatures were again classes overlap. Hence the undertaken in May and national scale, the unusually below average. Perhaps importance of accurate age June, very low numbers warm spring had not been dormice had pushed their recording. were recorded. If, on a responsible for the deaths of physiology to the limit and In March 2012, while clearing boxes at the PTES reserve on the Isle of Wight, 11 dead dormice were discovered. Had this been a consequence of the mild winter and subsequent warm spring? March 2012 was the warmest March since 1957. Had this brought dormice out of hibernation early and had they been unable to fi nd suffi cient food? The number of dormice recorded in the NDMP during the fi rst fi ve months of the year used to be counted in tens of animals (1990 n=132) but more recently they are counted in their hundreds (2012 n=1,662) as the number of sites being monitored continues to increase. Fortunately the number of dead animals found in boxes is quite low (2007 n=18, 2012 n=60) and in terms of the number of dead animals recorded as a proportion of the total number of animals recorded between January and May, 2012 was not exceptional; both 2000 and 2008 were as bad if not worse (Fig. 5). Later, on the Isle of Wight, when NDMP checks were

10 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 d Wales, 2012

done what many people would have liked to have done in 2012 and hibernated for the year. Hazel dormice exhibit both hibernation and torpor; hibernation can be considered to be a period of inactivity that lasts longer than 24 hours while torpor usually lasts less than 24 hours. The NDMP is too crude to monitor hibernation, although it is possible to see annual trends in torpor. A high proportion of dormice are recorded in torpor in February and March; this declines to its lowest level in September and increases again by December. Did the exceptional weather in 2012 induce any variation in the normal patterns of torpor in the year? We looked at the 22 years of data from 1990 to 2011 and compared 2012 with that broad dataset. Fewer adult dormice were recorded in torpor in March than usual (Fig. 6) and a higher number were also found dead that month (Fig. 7). It should be noted that the number of dormice found dead is biased by the number of dead found at Briddlesford and it should also be noted that in March low numbers of dormice, dead or alive, are recorded, so comparisons early in the adequately feed and hence recorded as some monitors have their fi rst litters by year should be treated with less able to successfully rear may fear disturbing them, the end of May but in 2012 caution (1990-2011 March young – indeed one of the however it is very useful if there was evidence of only n=70, 2012 March n=26). frequent comments last at least an age class is noted one litter being born that While dormice may not have year was the apparent lack and the minimum number month when three pinks remained in hibernation of breeding at many NDMP within each age class were recorded at Marbach it does seem that they sites. recorded. It is possible to Hill in Herefordshire. Things remained in torpor longer The annual life cycle of approximately average the didn’t seem to improve in than usual. On average 38% the hazel dormouse can be data between 1990 and 2011 June when only four litters of dormice are noted in expressed as a frequency to give a weight distribution were found at four sites in torpor in June and 16% in distribution of the weight for a year, which can then be Yorkshire, Cardiff , Dorset and July; in 2012 that increased of dormice throughout compared with individual Kent (Fig. 8). The number to 60% and 33% respectively. the year. This can either be years. of adults present in the While it is undoubtedly recorded in the fi eld or, if an It is highly unusual to see population was identical benefi cial for the adults to age class is assigned to an any young in April and all to previous years but the enter torpor in inclement animal, an average weight animals recorded then can presence of litters was very weather it does mean that can be determined. It is generally be considered to low. they will be less able to likely that young are under- be adults. Dormice will often By July 2012 the adult

the dormouse monitor 11 volume 1 2013 Dormice monitoring throughout England and W population was still number of comparable to previous dormice years and there was evidence weighing at of more new litters. However, least 35g in the number of developing October as a young was down against the percentage national average as a result of the of poor breeding in May total adult and June. This pattern was population repeated in both August and in that September where both the month, 2012 number of new-born young ranks about and the adult age class were midway on similar to previous years but the 23-year the number of maturing scale (Fig. young was lower (Fig. 9). 11). The two In October, as the weight heaviest classes became less distinct dormice, and the weight frequency males distribution approached a weighing normal distribution, there in at 40.1g appeared to be a further and 38.6g decline in the number of respectively, mature dormice compared were both with what would have been recorded expected (Fig. 10). This at Roudsea diff erence became even Wood in more apparent in November. Cumbria on Although the adult dormice the 20th of in the population did the month. not seem to be adversely The young aff ected by the inclement dormice weather, it is possible that in the they beneffi ted from the lack population of breeding. It is considered did appear to suff er in the weaned dormice found at of mortality as a percentage that dormice need to be poor weather over the NDMP sites; only 2001 and of the young population in approximately 18g to survive summer and autumn. On a 2005 were comparable. the NDMP since recording hibernation but the heavier crude measure of the total Unfortunately in 2012 a began (Fig. 13). they are the greater chance number of young recorded large number of dead young Finally, it would be of survival over the winter per site per year, 2012 had dormice were found which interesting to know whether period. On a measure of the the lowest number of pre- equated to the highest level there is any regional variation in breeding success throughout the country (Fig.14). Early breeding occurred in Central, East and Northern England with no young deaths recorded in these regions. Breeding occurred later in the South East and South West but breeding in southern England (Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight) seemed to have been as poor as it was in the Midlands, West England and Wales. It really wasn’t a very good year for dormice

12 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 d Wales, 2012

in 2012. Looking at the data submitted to the NDMP it would appear that dormice came out of hibernation (Fig. 12) early due to the mild weather in March. Although the adult population didn’t seem to be particularly aff ected by the early arousal or by the onset of wet weather, which persisted throughout the summer and autumn, they were less active and breeding was delayed, with virtually no young born in May and June. In July, August and September the number of young born was below average whilst a higher infant mortality meant that recruitment into the adult population was much diminished. While breeding was poor however, the adult population in autumn appeared to be at a good weight to survive hibernation.

Ian White, Dormouse Offi cer, PTES SHERWELL LOUISE

the dormouse monitor 13 volume 1 2013 Is it a stoat? Is it a weasel? No it’s a dormouse

In 2011-12, we carried out and tested for the presence mouse and bank vole were . This may refl ect the a pilot study, as part of the of stoat and weasel DNA the most commonly found patchy distribution of Mammals in a Sustainable using species-specifi c real- species, but yellow-necked in west Wales and further Environment (MISE) project, time PCR assays. Samples mouse was also found in four work is being carried out this to test the eff ectiveness of were also tested for wood samples. Weasel was present year to improve the method using hair tubes deployed mouse, bank vole, fi eld vole, at 15 sites, but stoats were for the target species. by volunteers to survey for pygmy and common shrew, not detected at any of the stoats and along dormouse and yellow- survey sites, despite being Jenny MacPherson hedgerows in west Wales. necked mouse. found using this method in The Vincent Wildlife Trust One site was surveyed In total, 61 sites were in each 10km grid surveyed across the three square in the counties of counties, from which 207 Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion samples were collected and and Pembrokeshire. Within sent for analysis. Dormice each survey site, ten tubes were detected at nine sites were placed at 20m intervals in seven 10km squares on the ground along a in Carmarthenshire and hedgerow or, in the absence Ceredigion, from which of a suitable hedgerow, a there were no recent records. stone wall. Hair tubes were This was quite a surprising made from 52mm diameter result, because the hair tubes plastic pipe cut into 300mm were all sited on the ground lengths, and with a pad of and dormice are thought double-sided adhesive tape to avoid spending time at just inside each end. Tubes ground level even within the were baited with rabbit or cover of hedgerows. If those chicken and anchored in samples that were positive the ground using a cable for dormouse had been tie attached to a tent peg. collected in late summer/ They were left in place at early autumn this could have each site for seven nights been because dormice are between the end of June and looking for suitable places mid-October. All pads with to hibernate at that time of hairs present were then sent year. However, dormouse to the Waterford Institute hairs were found in some of Technology (WIT) in samples collected as early as Ireland for analysis. DNA was mid-July. JENNY MACPHERSON, BRIAN SHACKLETON MACPHERSON, JENNY extracted from hair samples Not unexpectedly, wood

14 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 Hazel dormice on the edge

The increasingly rare and with that much fat! positive support of nature release of captive-bred elusive hazel dormouse The excellence of the conservation work on their dormice to areas where they exists at its north-western woodland management property, which included may do well. In preparation limit in the UK in the at Roudsea Wood also Clawthorpe Fell NNR and for a possible release, parts limestone woodlands around allows Natural England Holme Park Local Nature of Gait Barrows NNR and the the head of Morecambe staff to familiarise other Reserve. adjacent RSPB woodlands Bay. Roudsea Wood and land managers in the area Here Kate Morris, NE are now being managed to Mosses NNR is its last with appropriate woodland Mammal Specialist, and I, ensure the habitat is suitable remaining stronghold in this management to benefi t Senior Reserves Manager to support a population of area. Here the woodlands hazel dormice. Consequently for South-East Cumbria and hazel dormice. of the nature reserve the nature reserve is North Lancashire NNRs, are are managed through a increasingly being used as working with Aggregate Rob Petley-Jones sensitive programme of a training site for volunteers Industries and people from Senior Reserves Manager annual coppicing specifi cally who want to become the local community to MARSHALL AND HEATHER TONY for this small nocturnal involved in the monitoring survey for mammal, and an essential across the Morecambe Bay dormice part of this work is the woodlands. across the extensive monitoring of the Natural England staff quarry site, population. This is carried are working closely with a where 300 out by local Natural England range of partners in North- nest tubes volunteers, Tony and Heather West England to survey have been Marshall, who are fully for the presence of hazel sited. NE licensed to handle these dormice in case there are staff are also delicate little creatures. The populations still remaining working fat little fellow below was that need special care. with other found in one of the many This includes an active partners like nest boxes in Roudsea Wood partnership with Aggregate RSPB and the during Tony and Heather’s Industries at their Holme Arnside and October survey last year. He Park Quarry. Aggregate Silverdale had clearly been feasting on Industries recently received AONB in the abundant berry crop in a prestigious Biodiversity examining the coppice, and hopefully Benchmark Award from the potential made it through last winter The Wildlife Trusts for their for a possible

the dormouse monitor 15 volume 1 2013 Lincolnshire dormouse group

The Lincolnshire Dormouse pull fi ve tonnes of large to the same paths during Gemma Watkinson Volunteer Group was timber from the woods to be woodland work periods as Lincolnshire Dormouse formed in 2002, after 16 used locally for fi rewood. The much as possible, and keep Group pairs of dormice were horse disturbed the ground the movement of brash reintroduced to Chambers far less than machinery through the wood to a Farm Woods, a Forestry would have. minimum. Commission woodland Volunteers do not go to near Bardney. Monthly nest the winter work days with Nature lovers and with a dormouse. After two box checks have shown hopes of actually seeing conservationists Brian seasons of training Brian that the reintroduction has a dormouse, but after and Sheila Coulson from and Sheila were granted been successful, with high someone heard a “squeak”, a Morton, Lincolnshire have a dormouse licence and numbers of dormice being woven dormouse nest was been given a prestigious now travel down to Exmoor found, crossing roads and discovered on the ground award for their extensive four times a year, clocking moving into new areas of the with a hibernating dormouse work in helping to conserve up over 2000 miles. Whilst woodland complex. In 2012, inside. Where had it come and increase the number they help to survey many a university student started from? Although we were all of hazel dormice on species, Brian says their real to conduct a fur-clipping excited about seeing the fi rst Exmoor. The Samuel Foss reward is to be able to work project to help estimate the dormouse of the year, we Conservation Award is with a rare and endangered current population size. were careful not to disturb it only given to one or two species which most people During the winter months, too much, returning the nest people each year for their will never be fortunate volunteers help to carry to a safe hole in the roots of a “outstanding contribution enough to see in their out coppicing work in nearby tree that was not due to the conservation of lifetime in the wild. BRIAN COULSON PHILIP BYCH, designated coupes using to be coppiced. Exmoor”. hand tools, with much of the This surprise visitor raises Brian and brash and smaller branches questions about how many Sheila have been used in dead hedging on dormice are disturbed visiting Exmoor in site. Larger trunks (too big by winter woodland Somerset for over for our bow saws!) are felled management. It can 35 years but it using a chainsaw and we therefore be suggested that wasn’t until 2001 even had a Dutch draught best practice should include that they saw horse named Hector to help taking extra care to keep and fell in love

16 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 NEW dormouse book

a friendship over the years, the book look in depth at sparked by the chance, every the morphology, activity,   three years, to meet with breeding and behaviour of 5LPY\GDV-XâNDLWLV like-minded researchers and hazel dormice. Their feeding 6YHQ%FKQHU conservationists from across patterns, hibernation the globe at international adaptations and population +$=(/'250286(  dormouse conferences. Ten ecology - the aspects of a

1(5 years later the pair decided dormouse’s life that make it 7KH+D]HO'RUPRXVH to write a monograph about unique amongst our native their research objectives. - are covered in They incorporated the detail. results from a broad range This guide to hazel dormice of studies, condensing and would be a welcome summarising the fi ndings, addition to any amateur together with the results naturalist’s library. A useful, from their own long-term quick reference guide, it studies. In 2010 this book also makes a fascinating was published in German read and provides food for with such success that thought for further research the publisher encouraged studies. In the face of an Büchner and Juškaitis to ever-changing climate and a consider producing an world where natural habitats updated edition in English. are under ever-increasing ',(1(8(%5(+0%h&+(5(,  -8á.$,7,6%h&+ The result is a pressure from development, comprehensive overview it is so important that we of one of our most elusive, understand the fundamental least-known small mammals. ecology, needs and Hazel dormice are found adaptational limits of our The Hazel Dormouse is a new, met at the third International west from the UK, across species to ensure we can defi nitive monograph on Dormouse Conference Europe, south as far as conserve them eff ectively the species, written by Dr which was held in Croatia, Sicily and the Greek islands, into the future. This book Rimvydas Juškaitis and Sven following the inaugral as far north as Sweden, goes a long way in enabling Büchner. Juškaitis, based at conference in Germany and then east into Russia and us to do that. the Institute of Ecology of a second one held in Italy. Turkey. Absent from Ireland, Nature Research Centre in Rimvydas and Sven struck up Norway, Spain and Portugal, To order a copy of the book, Lithuania, this enigmatic creature is which costs £20 plus £2.50 and Büchner, still found across a diverse p&p please visit www.ptes. who works geographical range. Büchner org/shop or call us on 020 as a specialist and Juškaitis have carefully 7498 4533. ecological consolidated all current consultant research on this species. in Germany, The various chapters in JOHN WEBLEY

the dormouse monitor 17 volume 1 2013 How can genetics aid the conservation of the

I am currently a PhD on the ecology and biology Hazel dormice occur to maintain suitable researcher in the Molecular of this species. Whilst new naturally at very low connectivity to ensure Ecology Research Group at research by Dr Robyn Grant density. Because of patchy the future viability of a Manchester Metropolitan (also at MMU) conducted habitat availability, local population. We have to University (MMU). I have at the Wildwood Trust can dormouse populations think about populations recently begun my research start to give us insights into are small. This makes it of dormice as a collection project which aims to how dormice move through an interesting species of sub-populations understand how habitat their habitat using their to study in a landscape interlinked with each variables associate with whiskers (see article in The genetics context, as well other. It is important to dormouse presence and Dormouse Monitor volume as making it important know how individuals infl uence gene fl ow between 2 2012), genetic techniques to understand the role of move and interact with populations. These data can provide insights into the inbreeding in population nearby sub-populations are practically useful to movement of dormice at the persistence through time. in the course of routine inform future sustainable landscape scale. In recent Due to dormice being feeding and breeding conservation management years, genetic techniques habitat specialists and activities. This is where of this species. The work is have given us the ability to consequently vulnerable to genetic techniques can be taking place under Dr Ed begin to relate dormouse habitat fragmentation, they used to identify breeding Harris and Dr Jonathan Ellis ecology, biology and are seen as a bio-indicator through the sharing of at MMU as well as with Dr physiology with population species (i.e. an indicator of genes (or alleles) between Simone Bullion of Suff olk genetics. Ultimately, this will environmental integrity and neighbouring populations Wildlife Trust. We will also be help us to prioritise future species biodiversity). Loss – i.e. the extent of dispersal working with other wildlife management strategies. Now of genetic variation is often between populations can trusts in Kent and North these genetic techniques caused by reduction/loss be estimated based on Wales (North West Dormice can also be combined of connectivity between genetic data. Combining Partnership). with geographical data. populations caused by this information with current Scientifi c research to aid This allows the infl uence habitat fragmentation. This data on population levels the applied conservation of of landscape features on can potentially impact on as well as the landscape the hazel dormice has seen a dormouse dispersal and the ability of a population features that link or separate rapid increase over the years. population structure to be to adapt and cope with these populations will allow Iconic work by Dr Pat Morris estimated – an emerging environmental change in the us to further understand

NIDA AL FULAIJ NIDA and Dr Paul Bright has vastly area known as ‘landscape long-term. dormouse biology whilst, improved our knowledge genetics’. As such, it is important at the same time, relating

18 the dormouse monitor volume 1 2013 he hazel dormouse in the UK?

these data to demographic wildlife bridges. Specifi cally, can help provide a diverse This fi eld can greatly add histories. this year I will be looking at genetic stock to the area and to the knowledge gained The impact of roads and the role of the Lamberhurst possibly aid in the chances of through scientifi c studies transport infrastructure on wildlife landbridge over the success. However, the eff ect not just from academics, dormouse dispersal has long A21 in Kent, in promoting of introducing a diverse but also from the volunteers been debated by members movement of dormice stock from diff erent parts of the dormice monitoring of the dormice community using genetic methods. of the UK may negatively programme to aid in the (see article in The Dormouse Dormice have been found impact on the extent to long-term persistence of Monitor volume 1, 2012). It in nest boxes on the bridge, which populations are locally this threatened species. is naturally presumed that however, as yet we have adapted. These factors are Indeed, our fi eld work to roads and infrastructure act no information on whether currently largely unknown collect genetic data takes as barriers to dispersal (the populations either side of for dormice since as yet part alongside volunteers barrier eff ect as previously this bridge have managed there have been no wide- monitoring dormouse proposed in Pat Morris’s to breed, thus restoring scale studies to identify populations as part of the book). However, the true population connectivity. whether the UK is made national programme. extent of this is unknown For reintroductions, it is up of genetically distinct as some anecdotal and also important to understand populations. visual evidence has shown the genetic status of dormice Fraser Combe that dormice do sometimes to inform best practice. Where do we go from here? Manchester Metropolitan cross roads and have been Genetic analysis also allows University found in traffi c islands and us to monitor the success of Genetic methods in roundabouts. There has also introduction programmes conservation of the hazel If any wildlife trusts or other been investment in wildlife through time. This can be dormice can play an organisations would like land-bridges across roads done by looking at total infl uential role, especially to contact us to discuss to aid dispersal of dormice. genetic diversity and levels with the interdisciplinary our research, or feel they Thus there is a need for of inbreeding to predict collaboration of various could contribute to the current research using the future viability of a groups. Hopefully, we can programme, especially genetic analysis to assess population. An important build upon the existing regarding wide-scale the extent to which roads point to consider is the fact genetic work conducted by population structure of act as barriers to dispersal as that these reintroductions Dr Cheryl Mills in SW England dormice in the UK please well as the eff ectiveness of may use a mix of individuals and Dr Phil Watts’ group contact Fraser Combe at mitigation practices such as from varying locations, this at Liverpool University. [email protected]

the dormouse monitor 19 volume 1 2013 And fi nally...

DORMOUSE MONITORING a variety of people from PTES WOODLAND COURSES involved in managing 2013 - a one-day the dormouse world. Talks, woodland primarily for conference 9 November which will begin at 10.00am There has been an increase conservation purposes. 2013 on Saturday 9th November, in the interest in woodland The fi rst two courses to will focus on how to set management in recent run will be Identifi cation of We are really pleased up and run a successful years and gradually more Key Woodland Species and to announce that, this dormouse group and how practical management is Monitoring Key Woodland November, PTES is holding to instigate benefi cial being undertaken in our Species. The identifi cation a dormouse conference for woodland management at woodlands. Historically course runs over two days, all the NDMP volunteers. your monitoring site, with woods were managed by running from 9am to 9pm on Thanks to you, we have over insights from monitors at hand for a product and Tuesday 16th July and 8am 350 dormouse nest box sites one of our most successful biodiversity benefi tted to 4pm on Wednesday 17th registered, which are being reintroduction sites in as a consequence. Now with tea and meal breaks as monitored at least twice a Suff olk. The talks will being woodlands are more likely appropriate. The monitoring year. It is also over twenty with an opening session by to be managed for amenity course is a two day course, years since monitoring Dr Pat Morris, the leading value or for conservation running from 9am to 9pm began at just a handful of dormouse authority. interest and it is important on Tuesday 20th August and sites in the early 1990s. We hope that the day will that we have a means 8am to 4pm on Wednesday Since then local dormouse be an opportunity for you whereby the management 21st August with tea and groups have sprung up all to come and meet other that is undertaken can be meal breaks as appropriate. over the country, training dormouse monitors and shown to be achieving its The cost of each course methods to teach new enthusiasts, share ideas, ask objectives. is just £75. Travel, food and volunteers how to handle questions, hear useful advice PTES has developed a suite accommodation are not and sex dormice accurately and enjoy a delicious lunch of short courses to enable included. If you require have been developed and a too. participants to know how to information on possible whole community of people To book your place please identify a range of species, travel arrangement to the devoted to the conservation visit www.ptes.org/events or how to monitor those Isle of Wight and local bed & of one of our most endearing call 020 7498 4533. Tickets species in woodlands, how breakfast for the night please mammals has emerged. are £38 which includes all to create a management contact us for details. In celebration of all of refreshments and lunch. plan that directs practical Please visit www.ptes.org/ the above we would like There are also a limited woodland management, events to book your place to invite you to join us at number of tables for local and how to make woodland now. Places are limited. Or the University of Reading wildlife or mammal groups. management sustainable. call Ian White on 020 7498 for a day packed with talks For more information please These courses will be of 4533 for more information. and discussions given by email [email protected]. general interest to anyone DIANE NICOLLE

20 the dormouse monitor