The vibes are immaculate at Babers Farm in Dorset, and it's all thanks to some tiny, furry new residents. Endangered hazel dormice have been officially spotted on the property, proving that the farm's mission to boost biodiversity is a total W.
The proof is in the prints
So, how did they find them? The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), which manages the farm, set up 39 'footprint tunnels' along the hedgerows and woods back in May. Nine of those tunnels caught footprints, which is honestly a massive flex for the farm's ecosystem.
It’s not just a one-off, either. Surveys are currently happening across 16 different CRT-managed properties, with dormice also showing up at Turnastone Court Farm and Awnells Farm in Herefordshire.
Why it matters
Real talk: these little guys are struggling. They’ve disappeared from 20 English counties since the 1800s because their favorite hangouts—diverse woodlands and lush, connected hedgerows—have been disappearing. Plus, climate change is out here messing with their hibernation schedules, which is definitely not the move.
Ruth Moss, a conservation officer at the CRT, explained that having this solid data helps them manage the land with the dormice in mind. By keeping the landscape healthy and connected, they're giving these endangered species a real fighting chance. It’s giving main character energy for conservationists, and we love to see it.
