Wildlife

Hazel Dormouse Coppice Woodland Welfare

The hazel dormouse is one of Britains most threatened small mammals, dependent on traditionally managed coppice woodland that has declined by 90% since the Victorian era.

Key Facts

Dormice spend up to seven months in hibernation
They are entirely arboreal and rarely descend to the ground
Dormouse populations have declined 70% in the UK over the last 25 years
They require a succession of flowering and fruiting shrubs through the season

Welfare Considerations

Dormice in fragmented woodland patches face isolation stress and reduced hibernation condition due to food shortage. Animals that cannot accumulate sufficient fat reserves before winter may not survive hibernation. Forestry operations conducted without dormouse surveys disturb hibernating animals and destroy nest sites. Dormice disturbed during hibernation burn valuable fat reserves and may die before food becomes available in spring.

What You Can Do

Support coppice woodland restoration in your local area
Report dormouse sightings to the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species
Ensure woodland management surveys for dormice before any coppicing begins
Plant native hedgerow species including hazel, honeysuckle, and bramble