Charity’s talk highlights the plight of the rare Hazel Dormouse

Saturday, 3 February 2024 00:00

As part of the Salisbury & District Natural History Society’s mission to get more people involved in nature this year, the charity is holding its second fascinating talk of the year, which will focus on the wonderful but rare Hazel Dormouse.

The talk, held on Thursday, 15th February, at the Salisbury Baptist Church in Brown Street, will be presented by Dormouse expert Georgie Starkie, who will bring to life the secret nocturnal life of this adorable creature.

Georgie, who is an ecologist and member of the Wiltshire Mammal Group, has a special interest in dormice and will describe its nocturnal antics, its conservation status, and the specialist habitat requirements of this small mammal that has gingery-brown fur, large black eyes, and a long fluffy tail. Dormice spend a lot of time hibernating and are known to snore!

This is guaranteed to be a fascinating talk, particularly as Georgie has first-hand knowledge of all the conservation measures and training needed to protect this red-listed species.

Pete Thompson, Chair of the Salisbury & District Natural History Society, said, “Georgie is a fantastic speaker and has a huge wealth of knowledge about Dormice, gained through hours of fieldwork and research on the species. For all those with an interest in our natural world, this is not a talk to be missed.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available from 7 pm when doors open, and the talk will start at 7.30 pm. The talk will be held in the ground floor meeting room of the Salisbury Baptist Church, Brown Street, SP1 2AS.

Feature Image: Matt Binstead, British Wildlife Centre

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