This time of year is a great time of year to discover signs of harvest mice. This less well-known mammal is native in the UK and is thought to have been declining over recent years as a result of changes in agricultural methods and habitat management as a result it is listed as a BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) species. They are the smallest rodents in Europe at between 50-70mm and weighing as little as a 2p. Their fur is a gingery-yellow colour and they have an almost hairless prehensile tail.

This week I was delighted to discover 3 nests during a Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership conservation volunteer task on Romney Warren, (this site is found adjacent to the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre in New Romney). This is a great record for the site, having not been recorded here in at least 10 years. Their nests are around the size of a tennis ball and are generally found at ‘shin height’ in long grass/reeds and other similar habitats. They make their nests by weaving a ball out of grass within which they rear their litter. This is the time of year when grasses start to die back and their nests (having now served their purpose) become more obvious.

These tiny creatures are found in select locations across the Romney Marsh, and are a great one to keep an eye out for on any winter walks.