One of the reserves most abundant mammals has been spotted quite a lot in the past few weeks. A sighting of one of these critters either has people running or ahhing.

Wood mice are one of Britain’s commonest wild animals, but are incredibly secretive, so a sighting of one is really very special. With larger ears and eyes than house mice, it certainly wins the cute contest.

Seeds are their favourite food and they are responsible for eating most of the seed and nuts that trees produce each year. Fruit, fungi, snails and insects also feature on the menu, as well as any crumbs that picnickers leave behind.

The undergrowth contains extensive systems of wood mice runs and paths. Tree roots, branches, rocks and hollows make up an interconnected transport system helping them to speed around the woods gathering food.

Bye for now,

Rhian – Seasonal Ranger