Dormice and dormouse nests have been recorded previously from woodland and species-rich hedgerows in Bentley (White Admiral 53:12-13). Further fieldwork carried out in 2003, using nest tubes placed in selected hedgerows and woodland not previously surveyed for this species, has revealed that this scarce small mammal is quite widespread in the parish of Bentley. Dormice are present in at least seven of the woods and in a number of the adjacent hedges. Monitoring and surveying for dormice in Bentley, as well as at other sites, will continue in 2004.

Colin Hawes

© 2003   Suffolk Naturalists' Society