Chatsworth logoTwo children standing underneath 'The Drummer' a fifteen foot high bronze sculpture of a Hare on display in the garden, photograph by Ryan BrowneA family walking between an avenue of tulip trees to the house, photograph by Ryan Browne
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Dormice set free at Chatsworth

Thirty dormice born and raised as part of a captive breeding programme have been released at Chatsworth on Wednesday 15 June 2005. They have been set free at a secret location on the estate.

Dormouse

A loss of vegetation and hedgerows has been blamed for their declining numbers

The aim is to establish an expanding population of the native species, which is struggling in the area. The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is managing the reintroduction as part of work to boost the wild dormouse population of the UK.

Dormouse

Dormice can thrive in lots of woods like those on the Chatsworth estate

The long term project is being run and funded by PTES and English Nature, with help from the Institute of Zoology (London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park), Paignton Zoo, Royal Holloway, University of London and the Common Dormouse Captive Breeders Group.