Harvest Mouse Help

[Moocher]

As a very keen conservationist and wildlife observer I have for many years searched in vain for the elusive Harvest Mouse. Watched tennis balls in wheat fields for hours, searched hazel copse and explored both coast and reedbeds for a glimpse of this creature. Is there anybody that can help? Perhaps direct me in the right direction. I would not ask anybody to post sites on an open forum but if anybody is willing to help in my pursuit of the invisible I would really appreciate some help. I am based in Lancashire but am willing to travel any distance required.

[Fauna]

Hi Moocher. I've never had any luck with tennis balls for Harvest mice

Your best bet to look for them would be at field margins. Try small hedgerows that have a good strip of tall grasses, bramble, bracken etc all mingled together, this mix tends to put the nests a bit higher off the ground making them easier to spot. I found a few nests like this, and because of the abundance of nesting material the nests where rather large. You would be surprized at how many thought they where Dormouse nests, including me.

Also look for rough grassland with Black Knapweed growing in, this tends to be a good spot to look as well. Here they tend to be lower to the ground.

Good luck...

[paulthomas]

Your county wildlife trust may be able to direct you to sites which have a population of Harvest Mice. Actually seeing one would be a stroke of luck though.