2022 Naturetrek Small Mammal Surveys – The Results

This September we ran our annual ‘Small Mammal Survey Days’ in rural Hampshire, recording 46 individuals over eight different species, summarised by this pie chart.

On survey days, we meet in Old Basing before enjoying a gentle woodland natural history walk with expert local naturalist James Andrews, checking nesting boxes in order to look for and learn about Dormice. Then, after a pub lunch, we spend the afternoon focusing on other small mammals (checking Longworth live traps which can contain a wide variety of species – Wood and Yellow-necked Mouse and possibly even Harvest Mouse. Common, Pygmy and Water Shrews may also be found, along with both Field and Bank Voles) and learning a little of the local ecology. All animals are quickly released and findings are submitted to the county recorder to enhance understanding of these rarely seen creatures.

Funds raised from these educational days also assist habitat management for Dormice and also provide nest boxes – last year a Dormouse was found in a box put up by a Naturetrek group the previous year! The day includes a pub lunch and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

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‘We met our leader, Jim Andrews, outside the Barton Mills Pub in Old Basing at 9am. After overnight rain we feared we might be in for more wet weather but, happily, it turned into a dry and pleasantly warm day with periods of sunshine.

Jim led us to the Mill Field LNR immediately to the rear of the pub and across fields of scrub with many berry-laden bushes which were attracting Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Blackcaps. We then noticed a Peregrine perched on top of an electricity pylon.

Soon, we reached the first mammal-trapping area where seven Longworth traps had been set. The first examined had been tripped, and contained a young Bank Vole. A great start! Then we discovered two more had been tripped and these contained a second Bank Vole and a Wood Mouse. We then moved on to a second trapping area in grassland close to the reserve’s marsh. Here, we enjoyed two Short-tailed Field Voles and a Wood Mouse.

Jim then led us into nearby woodland where he began to check a series of nest boxes for any signs of Hazel Dormouse. Two contained fresh green leaves which he explained was typically the work of a Dormouse but there was no one at home! Other boxes contained dead leaves more associated with the activities of mice, whilst another contained an old Wren’s nest.

Coming back out onto the field, Jim had some more Longworth traps to check and one contained a very lively and pugnacious Common Shrew. Even he admitted that our morning’s haul was beyond his expectations and it was a happy group that retired to the pub for lunch.

In the afternoon we walked along the River Loddon to view the 17th century brick tithe barn and some of the group had nice views of a Kingfisher, whilst we all enjoyed excellent views of a Grey Heron perched on a tree branch and Brown Trout in the clear waters of the river. We then returned to the reserve to revisit all the Longworth traps but no more held any captives. A pause by a gully with plenty of bird activity produced two Spotted Flycatchers.

Jim then led us into another area of woodland beneath power-lines and the first nest box he looked in suggested occupation. He carefully lifted out a neat round ball of dead grass, and then emptied the remaining contents of the box into a large plastic bag. And there it was, a beautiful Hazel Dormouse!

A couple of box-checks later and one containing dead leaves was emptied into the plastic bag and contained a young Yellow-necked Mouse! Although this proved to be the last find, the day had surpassed all our expectations and we were all most appreciative of Jim’s dedication to show us the usually unseen inhabitants of this gem of a reserve.’

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