DORMICE are inhabiting some of the 300 nest boxes installed around the Blackdown Hills this spring.

Volunteers and licensed handlers have checked the nest boxes, set up by Blackdown Hills Natural Futures, each month. At one site four dormice have already been found using the nest boxes.

The average dormouse litter size is four. They are typically born in July or August but litters may be born as early as late May or early June. Young dormice are weaned after about one month but may remain with the mother as juveniles, before they become independent and disperse. They must reach a weight of between 15-18g to survive the winter hibernation.