Endangered dormice have been found on a farm that has been working to improve biodiversity and nature habitats. Babers Farm in Marshwood, near Bridport, Dorset, is under the stewardship of the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), which seeks to create nature-friendly farms. Hazel dormice are a European Protected Species and are considered vulnerable to extinction, but their presence is a marker of a healthy, well-connected landscape.
Since it began surveys in May, the CRT has installed 39 footprint tunnels along hedgerows and woodland edges, with nine of the tunnels recording dormouse footprints. Babers is one of the first CRT farms to return positive dormouse results after a fundraising appeal to fund surveys and habitat improvements across its 16 properties. The survival of dormice is dependent on diverse woodland, species-rich hedgerows and connected habitats that provide year-round food and shelter.
CRT conservation officer Ruth Moss said: "It's really encouraging to see evidence of hazel dormouse presence on the farm. "As the survey progresses, the results will build up a more complete picture of where, within the areas surveyed, dormice are present on the farm. "Having a current set of data helps us to manage these areas with dormice in mind." The CRT works with tenant farmers to restore soil health, improve biodiversity and strengthen the natural ecosystem while producing food.
Footprint tunnels have also been installed at Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset and at Pierrepont Farm and Green Farm in Surrey. The surveys will continue in Dorset throughout September and into November in Surrey. Dormice have also been detected at Turnastone Court Farm and Awnells Farm in Herefordshire.
CRT supporters raised £6,000 to fund dormouse surveys and habitat improvements across the charity's farms. As surveying continues through 2026, the CRT hopes to build a clearer picture of dormouse populations across its farms and use the findings to guide future habitat management. The tiny nocturnal species has disappeared from 20 counties in England since the 19th Century.
The loss of traditional skills such as coppicing has led to their habitats being lost, which also makes it more difficult for populations to travel between locations. Climate change has also disrupted their hibernation patterns.
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