Wimbledon serves upcycled tennis balls as homes for harvest mice
Tournament’s used balls find new purpose, providing safe shelters for Britain’s smallest mammals.
Every summer, Wimbledon sees over 55,000 tennis balls in play, but instead of being discarded, many now serve a surprising new purpose—providing homes for harvest mice. In collaboration with the Wildlife Trusts, the tournament has found an eco-friendly way to upcycle used balls by turning them into secure, weather-resistant nests for one of Britain’s smallest and most vulnerable mammals. With their natural grassland habitats shrinking, these tiny creatures benefit from the protection and warmth offered by the repurposed tennis balls.
To create these makeshift homes, conservationists cut small openings in the balls before mounting them on poles or placing them among tall grass. This elevated position keeps the mice safe from predators like foxes and weasels while also shielding them from harsh weather. The inside of the ball mimics the snug, spherical nests that harvest mice build from woven grass, providing a familiar and comfortable space for nesting and raising their young.
Did you know that tennis balls used at Wimbledon are donated to animal rehabilitation centres around Britain for harvest mice. pic.twitter.com/5IGzdiNpvZ
— Hannah Bourne-Taylor (@WriterHannahBT) August 12, 2024
Wimbledon’s commitment to sustainability has extended beyond the court, with this project being one of several eco-conscious initiatives. From introducing recyclable water bottles for players to reducing plastic waste in stadiums, the tournament continues to find creative ways to minimize its environmental footprint. By giving tennis balls a second life as safe havens for wildlife, Wimbledon is proving that even the smallest changes can make a meaningful impact on conservation efforts.
Inside the Baseline…
There’s something fitting about the sport’s most iconic tournament finding a second life for its most essential piece of equipment. In a world where waste piles up and wildlife struggles for space, this simple, deliberate act feels like a rare win beyond the court. It’s not a grand gesture or a PR stunt. It is just a practical solution that quietly benefits an overlooked species. Sustainability in sport often feels like an afterthought, but here, it’s woven into the tradition itself, and it shows that even the smallest adjustments can create a lasting impact.
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