In 2019, myself and my partner joined the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group, hoping to see our first dormouse. We were not disappointed, and quickly became regular volunteers with the group. The other members were welcoming and shared insight on all things ecology. At the end of our first season, we felt very lucky to have seen and helped to process so many dormice. During the winter months we also attended woodland management work parties, learning more about dormouse habitat preferences.
At the start of the 2020 survey season, we were kindly offered the opportunity to become trainees with the group, with the aim of eventually gaining references for our own survey licences. Having snapped up the offer we were now attending as many sessions as we could and making good progress. As trainees, we were given plenty of opportunity to handle dormice and on the rare occasions that there weren’t so many to process- we were the first in line! The more experienced members of the group were always happy to share tips and gave us plenty of encouragement along the way. The pandemic slowed our progress, limiting the capacity of the group to host volunteers, however we were still able to be enrolled on an online theory course covering dormouse ecology. The learning and support never stops!
With the lockdowns over and our dormouse knowledge enforced were eager to get back to the woods! The 2022 season gave us lots of opportunity to improve our technique and gain experience. By the end of the season, we were confidently handling dormice and (usually) correctly identifying nest types as well as dormouse sex, age class and breeding status. To get licences we would first need to pass an assessment, proving ourselves competent dormice handlers. Lorna, the leader of the group, observed us putting what we had learnt into practice. We were not let off easy with two days of packed nest boxes. At the end of each session, it was announced that we had both passed our assessments and that we would obtain the references we needed for our license applications. Being a trainee was an absolute privilege and are grateful for all the help along the way. Now that we have successfully gained our licenses we are looking forward to the next season and the opportunity to share some of what we have learnt with any newcomers to the group!
Joe Hall
Licenced Member of the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group