A CROWDFUNDING campaign will help a threatened and much-loved Dorset resident sleep soundly.

Dorset Wildlife Trust launched a fundraising campaign to protect habitats for the dormouse.

Over 42 days, 85 backers pledged more than £2,000 to the ‘Help Our Dormouse Sleep Soundly’ campaign.

And thanks to a partnership between UK#1 Crowdfunder and Dorset County Council, the project was also awarded £1,000 of local government funding during the process.

DWT will work with young people to arrange volunteering days focusing on hedgerow and woodland management.

These events will lead to scout groups and other community groups taking part in dormouse surveys and laying new hedges to create and maintain habitats.

Through education, DWT aims to inspire the next generation about the natural world, alongside funding vital conservation work.

Dorset County Council’s partnership with Crowdfunder – #CrowdfundDorset – helped to make the difference by filling the funding gap. The council has £200,000 ring-fenced to fund inspired community projects which give young people places to go and things to do.

DWT’s Area Manager for West Dorset, Sam Hamer, said, “This funding is vital in supporting the work of DWT as we continue to engage young people in the importance of hedgerow habitats and their management. Encouraging the younger generation to take ownership of their local wildlife sites is fundamental to securing the biodiversity of our county. We aim to support young people in the learning and use of practical skills as this is one of the best ways that young people are able to help in supporting our ongoing conservation work.”

Stuart Riddle from Dorset County Council added: “Dorset County Council is committed to supporting social action and volunteering by young people – it benefits young people by helping them to develop skills and confidence, and the community benefits from their input. This is a great project which will help to protect Dorset’s unique landscape and wildlife, while giving young people a chance to acquire rural craft skills.”