Wildlife Welfare

Wild Dormouse Nest Box Monitoring

Hazel dormice are declining across England and Wales. Nest box monitoring programmes track population status and provide valuable individual welfare data, enabling targeted habitat management responses.

Key Facts

Hazel dormice have declined by approximately 70% in England since 2000
Dormice hibernate from October to April and are sensitive to temperature disruption
Nest box surveys allow non-invasive population monitoring without disturbing hibernation
Dormice require a connected network of hedgerows and woodland for sufficient range
Climate change is disrupting hibernation timing, with dormice sometimes emerging in winter

Welfare Considerations

Individual dormice disturbed during hibernation expend precious fat reserves and may fail to survive the winter. Population monitoring through nest box surveys provides welfare-relevant data that guides habitat management, ensuring dormice have sufficient connected habitat to maintain condition through winter and during the active season.

What You Can Do

Support People's Trust for Endangered Species dormouse nest box programmes
Plant hazel and other berry-rich shrubs in gardens near dormouse habitat
Advocate for hedgerow connectivity to support dormouse ranging