Last week we did our first check of the year of our 200 dormouse nestboxes. We found just 3 animals which is way down on previous years. It may be that the prolonged cold weather into April has meant that dormice are emerging from hibernation later this year. Let's hope that's the case and not that last year's poor weather and the long winter have reduced the numbers of dormice making it through hibernation. Our next check in June/July should help to clarify the situation. Checking the boxes is hard work but it's worth it when you find something as beautiful as this.....
And talking of beautiful, the bluebells in the woods near the Decoy Pond are looking particularly nice at the moment...
Wealden Reserves Office Manager