Surrey Wildlife Trust hailed the generosity of local people this week as our fundraising campaign to save our endangered Hazel Dormice generated almost £30,000 less than one month after launching. The funds will be used to restore and protect the hedgerow and woodland habitats that these unique furry-tailed mammals – and hundreds of other native species from bats to butterflies - need to thrive.
With wildlife in crisis across Surrey, the Trust has now announced that for one week only from 20 April, every further pound donated to the campaign up to a total value of £10,000 will be matched by the philanthropic Green Match Fund - meaning the appeal could raise an overall total of £50,000. As well as essential habitat maintenance, this will enable the monitoring of Dormouse populations by the Trust and Surrey Dormouse Group, comprising expert volunteers with special knowledge of this appealing and secretive species to continue.
Surrey Wildlife Trust CEO Sarah Jane Chimbwandira said:
“I want to say a very sincere thank you to everyone who has contributed to our Hazel Dormouse appeal. It is so heartening that even in difficult times, Surrey residents understand how important it is to stand up for nature.
“Now, people can double their impact by donating this week – and every pound we raise will be put to vital use. If we can raise an additional £20,000 we’ll be able to expand our understanding of Dormouse distribution and behaviour and provide larger, connected areas of thriving habitat to help them where they need it most. This will benefit all kinds of wildlife and help our landscapes retain their beauty and resilience long into the future.”
Dormice are protected by law. Their populations are monitored by trained license holders inspecting hedgerows for signs of their presence – including nibbled hazelnuts – inspecting nest boxes for signs of use and installing ‘footprint tunnels’ in which the tiny mammals leave trails.
These nocturnal animals, characterised by large black eyes, golden-brown fur, furry tails and long black whiskers, have suffered big population declines due to the destruction and fragmentation of their woodland and hedgerow homes. Dormice numbers have fallen by 75% in Surrey over the last 25 years alone, with research suggesting they are now in chronic decline nationally and should be reclassified as endangered.
This opportunity to double your donation via Green Match Fund will run for one week only from 20-27th April, with the deadline for donations set for 12 noon on the 27th.
