Battersea Park Children's Zoo (BPCZ) have released 50 harvest mice in Ealing.

The mice were born in a breeding programme run by BPCZ and their sister site New Forest Wildlife Park.

They were released into restored habitats in Horsenden Hill, Ealing where they will be monitored over time with the potential to re-introduce more in the future.

The habitat's restoration is in a move to establish a diverse ecosystem of native wildlife at this location again.

Native species across Britain are increasingly under threat due to habitat loss, harvest mice being one of the victims.

The loss of habitat means loss of biodiversity which is a crucial part of the ecosystem.

Conservation projects such as this and their success are vital to restoring biodiversity in Britain.

Many people forget how important, small creatures such as, the harvest mouse are to the ecosystem.

Harvest mice are the only species in Britain to have a prehensile tail, meaning they can grab and hold objects, much like a monkey.

Ealing Wildlife Group were able to involve local children in the release of the harvest mice which hopefully is a step towards inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

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