RARE dormice are thriving in a Lincolnshire wood, according to experts.

After becoming extinct in the county, the species was re-introduced to Chambers Farm Wood, near Wragby, eight years ago.

And although those original animals have long since died, a survey this year has revealed a number of new nest sites and mothers with young.

Anne Goodall, of Lincoln- based ESL, who are working with the Forestry Commission on the project, said the discoveries of young dormice was both positive and worrying.

"It's worrying because the babies are going to have to put on a lot of weight in a very short time to be able to survive their first hibernation, although there is a lot of food around such as hips, haws and sloes, so they could make it," she said.

"But it's positive because this mum could either be having her second litter or be one of this year's first litters, which has developed fast enough to breed. Both of which are very good signs."