3 June 2008

Endangered species, the dormouse, can look forward to a brighter future in Guildford thanks to a special partnership between Guildford Borough Council, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Guildford Golf Club, who have been working together to improve their habitat.

Smaller than their more common mouse cousins, dormice numbers have been declining, to the extent that they are now protected by law. Dormice have been found in a number of places in Surrey and they are especially abundant on Merrow Downs.

Guildford Golf Club donated £500 so the Council’s countryside wardens, with the help of the golf club's greenkeeping staff, could set up a dormouse survey scheme and install dormouse boxes for them to nest in, as well as some owl boxes. Other work has included a traditional method of woodland management, sensitively done, to enable the dormice to thrive.

Lead Councillor for Healthy Living, Cllr Terence Patrick, says: “We have worked hard with Surrey Wildlife Trust to secure the future of this endangered species. We are extremely grateful for the help of Guildford Golf Club, whose staff appreciate the rare wildlife living on and around the golf course. Thanks must also go to Merrow conservation volunteers for their help in planting hazel trees and protecting them from deer.”

To find out more about conservation volunteer work call the Council’s parks and countryside team at 01483 444771 or email countryside@guildford.gov.uk. There are opportunities to help out at weekends and during the week.

Further information on Guildford Golf Club’s conservation work is available at www.guildfordgolfclub.co.uk (this page opens in a new window).