Recent evidence shows that most small mammals are experiencing declines across the UK. Some species such as the Common Shrew and Wood Mouse are more generalists, therefore more able to adapt to changes.
Other more specialist species like the Yellow-necked Mouse and Hazel Dormouse are less able to adapt and therefore have experienced greater declines. A small mammal survey has provided a baseline, with monitoring ongoing.
Sapperton Wilder is managing the land to support small mammal populations by managing hedgerows, gapping up hedges, increasing connectivity to surrounding woodlands, leaving areas of long grass along margins and increased ground cover with year-round cover crops, as well as decreasing the use of agrochemicals.