Wildlife

Hazel Dormouse Conservation and Habitat Welfare

The hazel dormouse has declined by over 70% in the UK since the 1990s, making it one of Britain's most endangered mammals and an urgent conservation priority.

Key Facts

Dormouse populations have declined by around 70% since tracking began in 2000
They require connected woodland and dense hedgerow for food and movement
Dormice hibernate from October to April and are highly vulnerable to mild winters
Nest tube monitoring programmes track populations across England and Wales
Dormice are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act

Welfare Considerations

Dormice woken from hibernation by mild weather expend critical fat reserves and may starve before natural food is available. Habitat fragmentation prevents movement between woodland patches, creating isolated populations vulnerable to local extinction. Woodland management that maintains hazel coppice and diverse shrub layers directly improves dormouse welfare and survival.

What You Can Do

Support Peoples Trust for Endangered Species dormouse monitoring programme
Volunteer for nest tube checking surveys in local woodlands
Advocate for sympathetic woodland management that benefits dormice
Report dormouse sightings to the National Dormouse Database
Avoid disturbing woodland habitat during hibernation season