Not surprising really, because they are awkward little blighters - spending most of the time clubbing - sleeping during the day and living it up at night.! That's in summer. In winter they sleep all the time. How many of us would follow them in their hibernation, I wonder? Me for one!

Dormice are so secretive and small you are unlikely so see them at all. They are protected by law; you can't buy them, and there are very few in zoos, but they are human-friendly animals, often living close to footpaths. If you really want to see them, join us in the Sussex Wildlife Trust, which has many experts who can guide you to almost anything you wish.

Our find was sheer good luck because we were cutting brambles along a footpath. This little animal was just six metres away - yawning and stretching - a bit like the dormouse in Alice in Wonderland!

Now, I deliberately note again something which concerns many of us. Recent figures show that cats kill 275 million other animals in Britain each year - about 30 per cat. Cat lovers, I wonder if you would at least be kind enough to keep your pet indoors at night. Please.

John Hall © 2003