hedgerow

"Bushes are burning, grass is burning, hedgerows are burning, agricultural fields are burning and structures are burning," he said.

There is little diversity on the majority of the 146-acre land, with nearly all fields grazed by sheep, but there are some wetter areas and some hedgerows of blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel, oak, gorse and holly.

The shrub, which has been politely described as humble or nondescript, is best located behind borders or woven into a mixed hedgerow.

Forestry England says hazel dormice need woodland or hedgerow trees and shrubs to live in during the warmer months.

Mr Ruzic and his organisation have been trying to encourage farmers and local authorities to cultivate the trees and hedgerows, as they provide a habitat for the species which prey on rodents.