Hazel Dormice

Hazel Dormice numbers are estimated to have fallen by 52% since 1995. 

Loss of ancient woodland and hedgerows across the UK are a major cause for this decline.  In addition, the warmer winters resulting from global heating are disrupting their natural hibernation cycle.  This means they wake too early and don't have enough food.

Dormice are barely ever seen because they spend most of the day asleep!  At night they come alive, climbing high into the trees on the hunt for a tasty snack. Their favourite foods are hazelnuts, berries and insects.

Dormice build nests out of grass and leaves ready for the female to give birth to up to seven young. In autumn, dormice start looking for the perfect spot to hibernate for winter. They often choose to sleep in logs or leaves at the base of trees or just beneath the ground where they can avoid the winter cold.

What you can do to help Hazel Dormice

Write to our local MP, Danny Chambers, tell him how important nature recovery is to you.  Tell him to continue to support and promote the Climate and Nature Bill, this landmark bill aims to reverse the damage done to nature like Hazel Dormice.  Click here to send Danny a secure message.

You can help by buying nesting boxes if you live in a suitable location.  You can read more about that here.  You can help by campaigning to protect local woodlands, hedgerows and connecting fragmented habitats.  Also, you can help by reporting sighting to the National Dormice Database.