Wild Animals

Wild Dormouse Hazel Coppice Habitat

The hazel dormouse has declined by over 70% since the 1990s as hazel coppice woodland and scrubby hedgerows disappear from the British landscape.

Key Facts

Dormice spend around 7 months in hibernation and require continuous food supply during the active season
They are entirely dependent on woodland structure: scrubby edges, honeysuckle and hazel
The UK population has fallen from around 1.5 million to under 500,000
Dormice are increasingly found in dense hedgerows as woodland becomes fragmented

Welfare Considerations

Dormice that emerge prematurely from hibernation due to mild winters face nutritional stress if spring blossom has not yet appeared. Fragmented populations in small woodland patches face starvation when food sources fail in poor seasons. Cold and wet springs during the active season cause high mortality in juveniles unable to build sufficient fat reserves.

What You Can Do

Support People's Trust for Endangered Species dormouse nest tube schemes
Advocate for hazel coppice management on nature reserves and estates
Plant honeysuckle, bramble and hazel in gardens adjacent to suitable habitat
Report dormouse records to your county recorder to improve population monitoring