Wildlife

Dormouse Survey and Conservation Welfare

The hazel dormouse is declining across much of Britain, with conservation efforts centred on habitat connectivity and nest tube monitoring programmes involving thousands of volunteers.

Key Facts

Hazel dormouse populations declined by approximately 70% since the 1990s
They require connected woodland and hedgerow habitats for foraging and dispersal
Nest tubes are used to survey populations and provide supplementary nesting sites
Dormice hibernate for up to 7 months, making them vulnerable to mild winters
Reintroduction has established populations in counties where they had been lost

Welfare Considerations

Dormouse welfare is threatened by habitat fragmentation that prevents populations maintaining viable connectivity. Climate change is also disruptive - mild winters interrupt hibernation and waste fat reserves. Conservation monitoring through nest tubes is a low-impact intervention that also provides welfare data.

What You Can Do

Join or support People's Trust for Endangered Species dormouse monitoring
Plant native hazel and other fruiting shrubs to provide dormouse habitat
Advocate for hedgerow protection in planning and agricultural policy
Support dormouse reintroduction programmes in appropriate habitats
Create connectivity between woodland areas to enable dormouse dispersal