Wildlife Welfare

Wild Dormouse Nest Box Monitoring

Dormice are nocturnal, arboreal mammals in serious decline. Nest box monitoring programmes provide essential data for conservation and enable welfare-informed population management.

Key Facts

Hazel dormice are endangered in the UK with populations down 70% since the 1990s
Dormice are nocturnal and rarely seen, making monitoring difficult without nest boxes
Nest box check programmes in autumn assess population health and hibernation readiness
Dormice are protected under UK law and monitoring requires a licence
Habitat connectivity through hedgerows and woodland is essential for dormouse populations

Welfare Considerations

Dormouse monitoring enables welfare-informed conservation management. Population data guides habitat management decisions that improve habitat quality and reduce dormouse mortality from isolation and habitat loss.

What You Can Do

Support dormouse conservation through recognised organisations
Participate in licenced dormouse monitoring programmes if trained
Advocate for hedgerow and woodland habitat management supporting dormouse connectivity
Create dormouse-friendly garden habitats with berry-producing shrubs and climbing plants