Mammals
Mammals
A number of animals use the reserve as a home or regularly pass through. The majority are secretive and are easily disturbed. However, the footprints of roe and muntjac deer can be found particularly on the bank on the east side of the footpath. There has been some evidence of foxes and badgers resident on the reserve. Bats have also been recorded and they may be roosting in crevices on the rock face or on trees.
The most special mammals on the reserve are the Hazel Dormice. When you visit the reserve you may notice boxes attached to tree trunks that have been placed in locations where dormice have been found. This species is protected by law and the nest boxes can only be checked by registered licence holders.
Visitors must not approach the boxes under any circumstances.
The reserve also has a population of Wood Mice, that sometimes take advantage of the dormouse nest boxes and take up residence.
The hazel dormouse
(Muscardinus avellanarius)
The hazel dormouse is a strictly nocturnal species found in deciduous woodland and overgrown hedgerows. It spends most of its time climbing among tree branches in search of food, and rarely comes to the ground. During the day it sleeps in a nest of dried leaves and bark, often in a hollow tree branch or a deserted birds nest or nest box. During the winter they hibernate and are not normally active again until April or May.
The history
Hazel Dormice have been found on the reserve for a number of years and they have been encouraged to remain and breed by the preservation of one of their preferred habitats, coppiced hazel trees. Nationally, the hazel dormouse has declined over recent years and is has been categorised as vulnerable to extinction in Britain. Recent research however suggests that the decline has been even greater and it is believed that they are now an endangered species.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments please contact us through our email: contact@hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk