Harvest Mouse

Micromys minutus

Britain’s smallest rodent builds remarkable spherical nests woven between tall flower stems and grass heads. Weighing less than a 10p coin, they’re perfectly adapted for life in the treetops of plants, rarely coming to ground. Their prehensile tails act like a fifth limb, allowing them to grasp stems while feeding. Autumn is when they’re most active, gathering seeds and preparing for winter. They can climb vertically up smooth stems and are excellent swimmers despite their tiny size. Unfortunately, they’re increasingly rare due to habitat loss, making wildlife-friendly gardens crucial for their survival.