HAZEL dormice love the Isle of Wight — the protected species is thriving here.

They are being helped to survive on the Island, thanks to new nesting boxes at Briddlesford Wood, which is one of three sites where dormice are encouraged and monitored, along with Haseley Manor and Brading Marshes.

New boxes were erected at the hazel coppice last Saturday by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).

Hazel dormice are a protected species but changes in woodland management, farming practices, loss of hedgerows and the fragmentation of woodland have all taken a heavy toll on their living space.

PTES dormouse expert Ian White said: "The Isle of Wight is one of the best places in the country for dormice, having fairly small field systems. Predators on the mainland tend to eat them, but on the Island they are better protected."

Dormouse nest boxes are vitally important. As well as providing additional shelter for hazel dormice, and other visitors, they offer a way to detect the rare creatures.

There is a nationwide monitoring scheme in place, with more than 25 years worth of records collected by hundreds of volunteer monitors that guide actions to save dormice.

The National Dormouse Monitoring Programme has more than 400 monitoring sites across England and Wales. Last year 6,182 dormice were recorded.

Find out how to register dormouse sightings at www.ptes.org