Four men charged with destroying dormice habitat in Petersfield

Hazel dormice are a protected species

Author: Jo SymesPublished 29th May 2024

Four men have been charged with destroying a rare animal habitat in Petersfield.

Hedgerows containing hazel dormice, which are a protected species, are alleged to have been damaged at Petersfield Rugby Club between 1 January 2023 and 22 February 2023.

The following people will appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 20 June.

  • Stuart Barden, aged 57, of Winchester Road in Petersfield
  • David Cole, aged 34, of Weald Way in Petersfield
  • Neil Hitch, aged 62, of Marybridge Close in Totton
  • Steve Field, aged 64, of Redwing Road in Clanfield

They all face one charge of damaging/destroying a breeding site/resting place of a wild animal of a European protected species.

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