Would you like to learn more about one of north Wales' most elusive and beautiful mammals? Would you like to discover new dormice populations? If yes, then we need your help.
As part of a Gwynedd-wide survey searching for new dormouse sites, the Gwynedd Biodiveristy Team are looking for volunteers to help with the search for this shy creature and will be holding a dormouse workshop, a chance for those interested to learn more about the ecology of this animal and how to look for it.
A workshop was held at Treborth Botanic Gardens in Bangor, with talks and practical demonstrations being given by Jack Grasse, an expert in the field of dormouse ecology.
The workshop included demonstrations of new and traditional methods of searching for dormice. Previous surveys for this fantastic animal have relied largely on searching for hazelnuts which have been chewed in a distinctive way by the dormice.
However, the dormouse is being found increasingly in a very large variety of habitats in other areas of England and Wales, from heath to conifer forest edge, where hazelnuts may not be around, and so a different way has been devised - putting up temporary nesting tubes and checking them for the distinctive dormouse nests over the summer.
The common dormouse, or hazel dormouse as it is also known as, has suffered a massive decline in the last 100 years, disappearing from around half its range in Britain. It hibernates in winter but is active in spring and summer when it feeds on food such as flowers, fruits, insects and nuts.
They are known to be in Corris and Dolgarrog, however, their nocturnal behaviour has made them very elusive and so it is very much possible that they are present at other woodlands in northwest Gwynedd. Following the workshop, it was hoped to discover new dormice populations at various sites in Bangor, Caernarfon and the Llyn Peninsula.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer phone (01286 679381) or email (biodiversity@gwynedd.gov.uk).
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