A WILDLIFE group is working to reintroduce the dormouse into the countryside.

Warrington-born Lewis Carroll popularised the tiny creature in Alice in Wonderland.

But it is unlikely Carroll ever saw a dormouse in the wild - the species hasn't been seen in Warrington for more than a generation.

Now, the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, which covers the Warrington area, has released captive, bred dormice into their natural woodland habitat.

The animals have settled into the wild and it is hoped they will spread throughout the county.

The Trust's Sue Tatman said: "The dormouse was once found throughout England, but it has vanished from most of northern England and become widely scattered in the south.

"Its disappearance is due to the loss of our ancient mixed woodlands, which are its favourite habitat.

"Over the past two years, more than 50 dormice have been released. Regular checks on the animals show they have settled in well and a number of babies and young animals have been seen."

But Sue says nature lovers will find it difficult to spot the dormouse in its natural setting: "It is shy and nocturnal as well as rare, but it is one of the most attractive of our native mammals."

To find out more about the work of Cheshire Wildlife Trust, contract Sue Tatman on 01270 610180 or write to the CWT headquarters at Grebe House, Reaseheath, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DG.

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