Wildlife Welfare

Wild Dormouse Nest Box and Habitat Welfare

Hazel dormice are declining across Europe due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and nest box programmes combined with habitat management support individual welfare and population recovery.

Key Facts

Hazel dormouse populations have declined by over 70% in the UK since 1990
Dormice require continuous canopy cover - they rarely descend to the ground
Hibernation from October to April makes them vulnerable to disturbance and poor body condition
Nest boxes allow population monitoring and habitat assessment
Hedgerow restoration connecting woodland fragments is critical for population recovery

Welfare Considerations

Dormice that cannot accumulate sufficient fat reserves before hibernation face death during their long winter sleep - a welfare harm affecting large numbers of individuals. Habitat fragmentation forces them to cross open ground, exposing them to predation. Nest box schemes provide safe nesting sites and allow welfare monitoring. Habitat restoration addresses the fundamental cause of decline.

What You Can Do

Support dormouse conservation organisations working on habitat connectivity
Participate in dormouse monitoring surveys if in a suitable area
Advocate for hedgerow restoration in agricultural policy