Wildlife Welfare

UK Dormouse Advanced Conservation

The hazel dormouse faces severe population decline in the UK due to habitat fragmentation and loss, requiring coordinated conservation action across landscapes.

Key Facts

UK dormouse populations have declined by over 50% since the 1990s
Dormice require connected woodland with hazel understorey for foraging
Hibernation success depends on body fat reserves and mild winter temperatures
Dormouse monitoring uses nest tube surveys to track population trends
National Dormouse Monitoring Programme coordinates volunteer-based surveys

Welfare Considerations

Dormice threatened by habitat fragmentation experience fragmented hibernation sites, food shortages, and population isolation. Conservation efforts that restore woodland connectivity directly improve dormouse welfare and survival at the landscape level.

What You Can Do

Support dormouse habitat restoration projects in the UK
Participate in dormouse monitoring as a trained volunteer
Plant native woodland species to improve dormouse habitat connectivity