Supporting dormice conservation in the Mendip Hills

Batts Combe quarry is working with a number of local organisations and landowners led by the Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT), on an ambitious project to prevent the decline of hazel dormice in the Mendip Hills.

The habitat management project, which is now its second phase, is funded by the Mendip Hills National Landscape’s Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme (FiPL), with match funding from local partners, including Heidelberg Materials.

Recent management work in the woodlands of The Perch, a nationally designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI), designated due to its mosaic of calcareous grassland, heath and woodland has helped improve the habitat for dormice. Cutting back (coppicing) of trees aims to promote growth that particularly supports dormice as they climb trees to nest and forage for food so that they can raise their young.

We also supported a dormouse training day for local farmers and landowners to learn more about dormice conservation and raise awareness of the importance of habitat corridors and proactive woodland management.

Alexandra Hemming, Senior Landscape Architect, said: “Our ongoing support and landscape management projects will continue to help to make a real and positive change for the benefit of dormice – as well as many other types of fauna and flora who the woodland and grassland habitat around the quarry their home.”