The Decline and Conservation of Hazel Dormice in the UK

In the quiet treetops of the British countryside, one tiny animal is disappearing so quickly that it could vanish without most people even noticing. The hazel dormouse, once common in many parts of England, is now facing a serious threat of extinction. These small, golden-furred mammals have seen their population drop by 70% since 2,000, and they’ve already vanished from 17 counties, according to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). Their decline is a warning sign about the health of Britain’s woodlands and the need for urgent conservation action.

There are several reasons why hazel dormice are in trouble. One of the biggest is habitat loss. Traditional woodlands and hedgerows, which dormice depend on for food and shelter, have been removed or poorly managed in recent decades. Since dormice don’t travel far, this has left their populations isolated. Conservation experts say this makes them more likely to die out locally because they can’t find mates or escape disease.

Climate change is also making the situation even worse. According to research by Manchester Metropolitan University, “unusual winter weather caused by climate change is interrupting hibernation and making it harder for dormice to survive.” When dormice wake up early during warm winters and find no food, many starve before spring even starts.

To help bring hazel dormice back, conservation groups and scientists have been working on reintroducing them to safe woodland areas. Since 1993, over 1,000 dormice have been released into 25 carefully chosen sites across 13 counties. These releases are carefully planned. For example, in 2021, 30 dormice were set free in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This was part of the “Back On Our Map” project, which was to bring back 10 lost native species to the area. The goal is not just to put dormice back in the wild but to rebuild a network of habitats where they can thrive and move safely between forests.

Before being released, each dormouse goes through a full health check. In May 2024, ten dormice were examined by veterinarians from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). According to ZSL, “each animal was microchipped, x-rayed, and given a full physical exam.” This ensures that only healthy animals are released, and it helps track their survival in the wild. Health checks are important because they reduce the risk of disease spreading and help scientists monitor how well the dormice do after reintroduction.

There have been signs of success. In November 2024, a hazel dormouse was found living in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park-an area where it hadn’t been seen before. The discovery came after volunteers helped set up nest boxes in hopes of spotting the species. This shows that the dormice may be starting to spread again, thanks to conservation work. However, experts caution that “without continued support, hazel dormice could vanish from UK forests completely.” Their survival depends on ongoing protection, public awareness, and habitat restoration.

The story of the hazel dormouse is more than just about one animal; it’s about the future of all British wildlife. If we act now with strong conservation efforts, dormice can be saved and woodlands made healthier for other species too. But this will take dedication, funding, and care. The fate of the hazel dormouse reminds us that even the smallest creatures matter and deserve a place in our world.

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