Dormouse habitat given makeover

The wood has been spring cleaned for the dormice

A Powys wood that is a home to colony of one of the UK's threatened mammals has received a major makeover.

The population of tiny dormice in Pwll y Wrach wood near Brecon were struggling to find food and shelter because it was so overgrown.

But with the help of farming grants, conservationists and volunteers the landowner has improved the habitat from the farming Tir Gofal scheme.

Experts say it should increase the population of the endangered species.

Pwll y Wrach, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), was worked on by local volunteers, staff from Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecknock Wildlife Trust and Duke of Edinburgh Award students from Coleg Powys in Brecon last month.

The work that has just been completed should ensure that the current population receives a timely boost CCW conservation officer Jon Wohlgemuth

Dormice are an endangered species protected by UK and European legislation.

They have disappeared from more than half of their historic breeding grounds in Britain.

A spokesman for the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) said: "The hazel woodland in which it (the dormice) makes its home has deteriorated in recent years leaving the population struggling for food and shelter.

"Years of unchecked growth at the woodland meant that very little light was able to reach the ground between the trees.

"This caused a reduction in fruit produced by the hazel as well as stifling other plants that the dormouse relies upon for feeding."

Under the Tir Gofal scheme and CCW management agreements, landowner Katherine Price was able fence off the wood to prevent damage by livestock.

The dormouse is one of the UK's most endangered mammals

The hazel was cut to the ground to encourage bushier growth which will allow bramble and honeysuckle to flourish underneath to offer a greater range of food for the dormice.

CCW conservation officer Jon Wohlgemuth said the project demanded a lot of effort from many different people.

"We will now have a far more favourable habitat for a nationally rare species," he added.

"The work that has just been completed should ensure that the current population receives a timely boost and that dormice can thrive in this wood for years to come."