Devon teenagers are recruiting children to breed endangered harvest mice at home for wild release

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026.

Two 14-year-old conservationists from Devon have already released 250 harvest mice into a nature reserve near Tiverton and are now seeking to recruit 20 more children to their programme. Their Wild Pets project invites participants aged 8 to 13 to keep the endangered animals at home, with each cohort's mice headed for wild release the following September. Applicants must submit a 500-word statement alongside a short video explaining their dedication to wildlife and nature.

Chris Packham praised Wild Pets as a 'truly sensational' idea on Springwatch in June, calling it 'so inspirational'.

Eva Wishart said the aim is to replace 'sad hamsters in little cages' with native endangered British wildlife bred at home.

Emily Smith said it 'takes responsibility' but is 'definitely worth the sacrifice' for the long-run benefit to wild populations.