Extending Dormouse Territory in Somerset
During National Tree Week in Nov 2025, 3000 CAP-funded native broad leaf trees were planted at Ham Hill Country Park in Somerset.
This Autumn 2026, we have the exciting opportunity to get another 2,500 trees in the ground.
PLANTING AT HAM HILL
The ancient Iron Age fort of Ham Hill in Somerset has a number of precious fragmented woodlands, some of which are home to a rare & treasured hazel dormouse population. In November 2025, volunteers led by the Somerset Council planted 3,000 CAP-funded trees to bridge four of these woodlands in order to extend their range.
This autumn, the Council would like to plant a further 3,500 trees to increase this woodland once again, making one substantial connected wood of over 10 hectares. We most definitely want to try and fund it!
PLANTING OPPORTUNITIES
This project comes with the opportunity to join volunteer planting teams at the end of November 2026 for a day of easing roots into the ground and hammering tree stakes & guards into place next to them. When looking at the list of joyful things to do with a day off, planting trees with like minded folk, swigging tea from flasks and wolfing down ecologist Paul-McNeil's famous apple & cinnamon cake is up near the top!
Exact dates & info will be released to CAPeople Members nearer the time via your Member's Dashboard.
ON THE TRAIL OF DORMICE
This project also comes with the fabulous opportunity for five CAPeople members to join lead ecologist Paul McNeil and his team as they survey dormice numbers on a day in early autumn before the planting begins. The survey will involve walking methodically through the woods that contain around 50 nest boxes, installed to support the mice. Dormice really are champion sleepers and the team will be looking for signs that they are gathering into cosy huddles in preparation for their long winter snooze. No guarantees of seeing a dormouse, but expect a gratifying day.
We ask for a supplementary donation of £50 pp for this event. Tickets will be made available on your Members Dashboard and issued on a first come first served basis.
Planting Opportunity & Wildlife Survey
Welly boot days
Both tree planting opportunities & the chance to join a dormouse survey are available for this project as detailed above.
Ham Hill Planting 2025
Dates & intel
Exact dates and how to get involved will be advertised on your Members Dashboard
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Become a Forest Nymph?
Nov 2025
Snaps from the Field
@ Sarah Dyke MP
Nov 2025, Notes from the field
With the help of planting teams from the Somerset Council, local volunteer groups & families, a team from Scout Productions and MP Sarah Dyke, an incredible 3,000 CAP-funded native trees were planted over six action-packed, apple-cake-fuelled days in Witcombe Valley at Ham Hill Country Park. Led by the brilliant Paul McNeil, he & ecologist James Chapman selected 15 native tree species including oak, hazel, field maple, goat willow & crab apple - all chosen for their resilience to drought and value to local wildlife. Despite myriad weather conditions the teams plugged away and we are delighted that the woodland is now in. Now we just need to get the next 3,500 funded & in the ground.