Dormouse Conservation: Protecting a Woodland Specialist

The hazel dormouse has declined by 70% since 2000 and requires targeted woodland management and nest box provision for its recovery.

Key Facts

Hazel dormice are the only British rodent that hibernates for up to 7 months of the year
UK populations have declined by over 70% since 2000 with losses of approximately 30,000 per year
Dormice require connected woodland with a shrub layer of hazel, bramble, and honeysuckle
Climate change is disrupting hibernation timing, with warm spells in winter reducing fat reserves
Nest box monitoring programmes provide the most reliable population data for dormice

Welfare Considerations

Individual dormice face welfare risks from hibernation disruption by mild winter weather, which causes them to rouse and deplete fat reserves without being able to find food. Dormice that emerge from hibernation underweight in spring face starvation. Loss of woodland connectivity forces dormice to move through unsuitable open habitats where predation risk is high. Nest box programmes provide supplementary nesting sites where tree cavities are scarce, directly improving welfare by reducing thermoregulation energy costs. Woodland management that maintains the shrub layer providing dormouse food resources is the primary welfare and conservation intervention.

What You Can Do

Volunteer for local dormouse nest box monitoring programmes with appropriate training
Advocate for woodland management that maintains and expands hazel coppice and shrub layer
Support Peoples Trust for Endangered Species dormouse conservation work
Report any dormouse sightings to local wildlife trusts for population mapping
Never disturb hibernating dormice during winter monitoring of nest boxes