Hunt for UK's Smallest Rodent in Southern Scotland

A search for the UK's smallest rodent is set to take place within a vast nature reserve located in southern Scotland.

The harvest mouse, which weighs approximately the same as a 20 pence coin, is classified as critically endangered in Scotland by the Mammal Society.

Recently, evidence of nesting was discovered, indicating that these tiny creatures may inhabit the 10,500-acre (4,250-hectare) Tarras Valley near Langholm.

As a result, a series of surveys will be conducted in the area to officially confirm the presence of the harvest mice on this land.

About the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve

The Tarras Valley Nature Reserve (TVNR) represents one of the largest projects of its kind in the United Kingdom.

In 2021, the local community purchased a large tract of land after Buccleuch Estates announced plans to sell a significant portion of its Borders Estate.

The following year, an agreement was reached that would enable the reserve to double in size.

Discovery of Harvest Mouse Nests

The potential presence of harvest mice was identified recently when small woven grass nests, characteristic of the species, were found.

Jenny Barlow, the reserve manager, expressed surprise at the discovery, stating:

"It's been a complete surprise to discover we might have a population of harvest mice on the community-owned TVNR."

"During a recent volunteer session, we stumbled across some little woven grass nests in some of our tussocky grassland areas."

"They are usually a tell-tale sign of harvest mice as they use the long grass to weave nests to sleep and breed in."

Soon after, there was a suspected sighting of one of the mice.

"We've got other really rare species but this is a real first for us and we had no idea that we even had them," Jenny added.

"We think we found one hiding away, snuggled in with a tree guard at the end of a tree."

"It is just something that helps raise the profile - we are really keen on bringing people to explore and experience nature in Langholm."

"So it is just another thing to be really proud of."

Plans for Official Surveys

The reserve intends to participate in the volunteer-led national harvest mouse survey organized by the Mammal Society, aiming to officially verify the presence of this "wonderful little creature."

"It will be so amazing if we do have a nationally-scarce species like this on the reserve, discoveries like this make our community land even more special as a haven for people and wildlife," Jenny said.

The harvest mouse surveys are scheduled to take place every Wednesday in February from 10:00 to 12:00.

Conservation Status and Efforts

Harvest mice were once widespread across the UK, but their numbers have declined due to changes in farming practices that have led to the loss of their natural habitats.

Last year, wildlife television presenter Chris Packham commended two teenagers who had been working to increase harvest mouse populations by breeding them at home.