Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Dormouse Nest Box Program

Dormouse nest box programs provide alternative nesting habitat in areas of woodland management change, supporting population recovery.

Key Facts

Hazel dormice require specific woodland structures including dense shrub layer for nesting and foraging
Nest box installation at 100 boxes per hectare density provides sufficient habitat in managed woodlands
Annual nest box checks provide population monitoring data while disturbing dormice minimally
Dormice are only checked in September to avoid disturbing hibernating animals
Nest boxes retain the occupant's scent, increasing reuse rates in subsequent years

Welfare Considerations

Dormouse nest box programs provide welfare habitat that management change has removed. Each occupied nest box represents welfare support for an individual dormouse.

What You Can Do

Support People's Trust for Endangered Species dormouse nest box programs
Advocate for dormouse-sensitive woodland management in planning consultations
Participate in licensed dormouse monitoring surveys