Dormouse Hibernation and Habitat Connectivity

The hazel dormouse is one of Britain's most endangered mammals, with populations dependent on connected woodland habitat for successful hibernation, foraging, and breeding.

Key Facts

Hazel dormouse populations have declined by over 70 percent in the UK since the 1990s
Dormice spend up to 7 months in hibernation from October to April, dependent on body fat reserves built up in autumn
They are highly dependent on hazel, honeysuckle, and bramble providing pollen, insects, berries, and nuts
Habitat fragmentation forces dormice to cross open ground, significantly increasing predation and mortality risk
The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) runs the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme
Climate change is affecting dormouse welfare by causing warm spells that rouse them from hibernation unnecessarily

Welfare Considerations

Dormouse welfare is closely tied to habitat quality and connectivity. Animals in poor-quality habitat fail to build adequate fat reserves before hibernation, leading to starvation or shallow hibernation that increases energy expenditure and mortality risk. Unexpected warm periods during winter rouse dormice from hibernation when no food is available, causing energy expenditure they cannot afford. Fragmented woodland forces dormice to travel across exposed ground with high predation risk. Hedge and woodland management that maintains continuous canopy cover — allowing dormice to travel without touching the ground — is the most effective welfare intervention at the landscape scale.

What You Can Do

Support PTES dormouse conservation programmes through donation or participation in monitoring surveys
If managing woodland or hedges, follow dormouse-friendly coppicing guidance that maintains canopy connectivity
Register nest tube survey sites with the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme to contribute data
Advocate for wildlife corridors and hedgerow retention in local planning decisions