Second dormouse reintroduction planned at park

A second nest of dormice is set to be released in Leicestershire after a successful reintroduction in 2025.

Last summer, more than 20 hazel dormice were released at Bradgate Park, near Newtown Linford, with the miniature mammals going on to successfully breed.

The species is native to the UK and was extinct in 20 English counties, but following the project, it is no longer extinct in Leicestershire.

The People's Trust for Endangered Species, which worked with the Bradgate Park Trust on the initiative, confirmed it was "currently planning this year's reintroduction".

The confirmation has come after Everards Brewery in Enderby, Leicestershire, crafted a limited-edition beer, Hazelnook Amber, to support the project.

Sales of the ale will support charity Twycross Zoo, whose vets helped monitor the dormice in their secret enclosures before they were fully released at the park.

Dr Rebecca Biddle, of Twycross Zoo, spoke at a launch event at Everards Meadows in March.

She said: "Following last year's reintroduction programme, we're already seeing encouraging signs, including evidence of breeding.

"There's often a perception that conservation is focused on more exotic species, but British wildlife is just as important.

"The hazel dormouse is a brilliant example - a small, distinctive species that plays a key role in our ecosystems and deserves protection."

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