A surprise sighting!

Dorset Wildlife Trust Warden, Andy Fale has spotted a dormouse at Sutton Holms near Verwood - the first sighting in 28 years.

Andy said: “You just never know where a dormouse could turn up.  Although this is a lovely, quiet reserve with hazel hedges, it is not the textbook habitat.  In reality, we just don’t know enough yet about what suits dormice best, which is why our dormouse adoption scheme is so important.”

Dormice are delightful furry creatures, which have a bushy tail and large dark eyes which help them see in the dark.  They are found in reasonable numbers across the county. However, because they are nocturnal, very little is known about how best to conserve the population. DWT has built and placed hundreds of dormice nest boxes and tubes across the county, so that the population can be monitored.

DWT is urging people to adopt a dormouse as a perfect Valentine’s Day gift – a chance to show you care and at the same time support vital conservation work.

It costs £1.25 per month or £15 for the year to adopt a dormouse.

To get your adoption pack before the 14 February contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620, email mail@dorsetwildlife.co.uk or visit the website at www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk