Endangered Hazel Dormice On the Loose

On June 10th, 2025, conservationists set free more than 20 endangered dormice into the woods in Leicestershire. Conservationists are releasing these rare dormice into the wild to help this endangered species from becoming extinct. Many people hope that the Derbyshire and Leicestershire dormice can combine and form a larger population of the species.

In the past 25 years, experts say that the population of the hazel dormice in the UK fell by 70%. These dormice were once very common in Britain, but because of habitat loss, the hazel dormice population has dropped ever since. Many reports have stated that this species is extinct in 20 English counties.

This past week (June 10th – 16th ), the hazelnut dormice were reintroduced to a hidden location in Leicestershire. These dormice must first adapt to their new environment, so they were first placed in a caged area where they would not be lost. After a week of living and adapting in their new environment, the dormice can be fully released back into the wild.

Many people, such as Ian White, think that reintroducing dormice is a great idea. Ian White, a PTES (People’s Trust for Endangered Species ) worker, said that reintroducing dormice could significantly increase the new population of hazel dormice. Ian also told people, “It’s a big day for the county, as dormice haven’t been seen here for a very long time.” Mr. White also stated, “We’re hopeful that by autumn, the dormice will have settled into the woodland. If we start to see litters later this year, it will mark the beginning of their return.”

Now that the hazel dormice have been reintroduced, we can expect their population to increase in a few years. The return of the hazel dormice will also bring hope to other endangered species.

Good revision 🙂