Conservation & Ecology


Harvest mouse in its nest (Micromys minutus)


behind their mother, each carrying the tail of its sibling in front with its mouth. These shrews carnivorous and insectivorous diets consist of insects, slugs, spiders, worms, amphibians and, in the case of the common shrew, small rodents.


CONSERVATION REQUIREMENT


The importance of these little critters to the natural balance of wildlife should not be underestimated. As well as preying on many pests, they are natural spreaders of seeds with their propensity for pooing at an alarming rate. As they say, what goes in must come out!


Additionally, with their high reproduction rate, they offer a vital food source for such carnivores as stoats, weasels, pine martens, falcons, hawks, owls, foxes and the like. In truth, most of the species discussed


Common shrew (Sorex araneus)


here require very little conservation effort, with the dormouse and water voles being exceptions. Whilst most species will make their home anywhere, it is helpful to leave fallen branches, provide log piles and leaf cover, not just for their habitats but also their prey.


Care should be taken to avoid cutting rough areas between April and September when most species will have young in the nest. Whilst adults have the speed and dexterity to avoid a rotary triple, their young do not.


Leaving wide field margins beside hedgerows provides cover and food, which will encourage and maintain populations. Long grass on roadside verges is also important. A varied woodland area will encourage small mammals and groups of branches should be left when clearing


Water shrew (Neomys fodiens) patches of ground.


In the case of the dormouse, coppice management of woodlands can create such perfect conditions; but cleared areas and wide rides may interfere with their movement, because they live almost exclusively in the trees. Surveys show dormice have declined in Britain this century. Loss and fragmentation of ancient woodlands, climatic difficulties and suspension of coppicing are all probably connected with this. Nest boxes, put up with the entrance facing a tree trunk, are attractive to dormice and help survival and breeding success.


Re‐introducing the dormouse is often suggested, but this require suitable areas of woodland habitat and long periods of supplementary feeding. Further information overleaf.


Pitchcare has developed a new ecology product range, sympathetic to the natural environment and specifically developed to encourage wildlife.


Bird Boxes Bat Boxes


Hedgehog Houses Insect Hotels


If you have any specific requirements, that are not covered in our range, please get in touch and we will be happy to source alternative products for you. Speak to one of our technical sales team on 01902 440250. Full range available online at pitchcare.com


PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 I 117


Bird Seed & Feeders


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