A new conservation initiative in Devon is enlisting children to help breed and release harvest mice into the wild as part of efforts to restore the species’ population. The Wild Pets project, founded by two 14-year-old friends, Eva Wishart and Emily Smith, invites local children aged eight to 13 to become "citizen captive breeders" by raising harvest mice at home before releasing them into natural habitats.
The project builds on the founders’ previous success in breeding and reintroducing hundreds of harvest mice to a nature reserve in south-west England. The harvest mouse, the United Kingdom’s smallest native rodent, is distinguished by its prehensile tail, used to grasp grass stems, a habitat feature that has diminished due to intensive agriculture. Following their release, the mice have begun establishing maternal nests—characteristic woven grass structures—indicating successful breeding in the wild.
Eva Wishart began breeding harvest mice at the age of 10, motivated by concerns over conventional pets’ welfare and the broader ecological crisis. In 2025, Wild Pets was recognized as a runner-up in Prince William’s junior Earthshot competition and secured crowdfunding support for initial releases. Their work is guided by ecologist and rewildling expert Derek Gow, who has extensive experience managing captive breeding programs for various species, including water voles and beavers.
The expanded initiative seeks to recruit 20 children from Devon to raise pairs of harvest mice with support, including training at Gow’s Rewilding Coombeshead centre next spring. Participants will care for the animals through the breeding season, with the goal of releasing approximately 250 mice back into the wild by the following September. The project is backed by the Devon Environment Foundation, Mid Devon district council, and the Naturesave Trust.
Wild Pets emphasizes responsibility and enthusiasm as key qualities for participating children. Eva Wishart noted that passion combined with guidance can enable young breeders to succeed, highlighting the project’s educational and emotional benefits amid rising environmental concerns. Emily Smith reflected that contributing to wildlife conservation alleviates anxiety about environmental destruction, fostering a sense of proactive engagement.
Naturalist Chris Packham praised the initiative as “truly sensational,” commending the young founders for their clear thinking, effective communication, and ability to translate ideas into action. He underscored the importance of youth-led conservation projects in stimulating meaningful change for the environment.
By involving children directly in species restoration, Wild Pets aims to nurture ecological awareness and hands-on conservation skills among the next generation, while addressing local wildlife decline through a community-driven approach.