Hazel Dormouse Welfare: Woodland Connectivity and Hibernation

The hazel dormouse is one of Britain's most charming but threatened small mammals. Its welfare depends on connected, food-rich woodland and undisturbed hibernation sites.

Key Facts

UK dormouse populations have declined by 70% since the 1990s, with fragmented woodland a key driver
Dormice spend approximately 6 months of the year in hibernation, beginning in October and emerging in April
Hazel nuts, honeysuckle flowers and bramble are essential food sources through the active season
Dormice rarely come to the ground and travel between trees along overground routes
Climate change is causing increased winter disturbance through mild spells that trigger premature activity

Welfare Considerations

Dormice disturbed during hibernation expend critical fat reserves that are their only energy source through winter. Individuals aroused in January or February with insufficient reserves to survive until spring emergence die of starvation. The fragmentation of woodland into isolated patches means that dormice cannot move between habitats to track food availability across years when local food crops fail. Climate change creates additional welfare costs through warm winter periods that trigger costly metabolic arousal without providing food to compensate the energy expenditure.

What You Can Do

Support dormouse nest box monitoring schemes run by local wildlife trusts
Plant hazel, bramble and honeysuckle in hedgerows and woodland edges to support dormouse food supply
Avoid disturbing log piles and dense undergrowth that may contain hibernating dormice in winter
Advocate for hedgerow and woodland corridor restoration that connects dormouse populations
Report dormouse sightings to the People's Trust for Endangered Species national monitoring programme