UK Wildlife

Dormouse Conservation and Woodland Management

The hazel dormouse has declined by around 70% in the UK and requires ancient woodland and species-rich hedgerows with hazel, honeysuckle, and berrying shrubs for food and nesting.

Key Facts

UK dormouse population declined by around 70% since the 1990s
Dormice hibernate from October to April, requiring undisturbed nest sites
Dependent on a sequence of woodland food plants through summer and autumn
Nest box schemes in suitable woodland have increased local populations
Only known to survive south of a line from roughly Liverpool to Norfolk

Welfare Considerations

Dormouse welfare depends on the quality and connectivity of woodland habitat with appropriate food plant diversity. Ancient woodland clearance and poor coppice management have been major causes of decline. Targeted habitat management and legal protection of ancient woodland are essential.

What You Can Do

Support People's Trust for Endangered Species dormouse nest box schemes
Advocate for ancient woodland protection as the primary dormouse habitat
Record dormouse in relevant habitats through PTES citizen science monitoring