Hazel dormice
Hazel dormice are the UK’s only native dormice they have golden fur and a distinctive furry tail. These small rodents measure between 6-9cm. They are nocturnal and are one of the few UK mammals that hibernate. They will hibernate for five months of the year, from October to April, this does make them hard to find. Their range in the UK is mainly in the south, with scattered population in other areas of the UK.
Risk of Extinction
Sadly, the UK hazel dormouse population has declined rapidly in the last few decades. It is estimated there has been around a 48% decline in the last 10 years. This loss in numbers is mainly due to the change, in their habitat as well as climate change.
The best dormouse habitat is semi-natural woodland which is only present in 2-3% of England and Wales. Inappropriate woodland and hedgerow management has impacted dormice as well as fragmentation of habitat.
Climate change has also been affecting dormice. Warm spells during winter can wake dormice prematurely from their hibernation, when no food is around. Cold, wet and windy weather can also cause problems in spring and summer as it can prevent them from foraging for food. These fluctuating patterns of weather can have long term effects on populations, as well as affecting breeding success.
WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
Hazel dormice are what we call an indicator species. If dormice are present then the habitat is a healthy one. Meaning there will be also a presence of other important wildlife such as birds, bats and butterflies or make a donation by clicking here to our Conservation Projects Fund.
Conservation
Hazel dormice are protected under UK law by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) and by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
They are listed as a priority species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Which means they were identified as being one of the most threatened and requiring conservation action.
How Beale Park is helping
We are part of a monitoring and research project working with the Berkshire Mammal Group and the Environment Agency. We have supplied and maintain 48 dormice boxes that have been placed in our woodland here at Beale Park, as well as a further 9 in the copse at the Northern end of the estate. Nest boxes are important for dormice but also allow us to monitor for signs of dormice.
The boxes are surveyed for signs of dormice between specific dates several times a year, this monitoring is supported by our conservation volunteers alongside a Natural England licensed surveyor who records the results for inclusion in the National Dormouse Database. Our monitoring and survey work have confirmed we do have breeding dormice on our site here at Beale Park.
Our efforts also include the creation and ongoing management of suitable habitat for dormice.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
You can help by supporting charities like us here at Beale park to be able to protect vital species such as the hazel dormouse. If you would like to donate to aid us in our conservation work you can do so here???
Climate change is also a global issue impacting many species. Anything we can do to reduce our carbon footprint helps combat climate change. On a wider scale, voting for government to take positive action for the environment is something we can do to help protect species like the dormouse.
USEFUL LINKS
Mammal society – https://mammal.org.uk/british-mammals/hazel-dormouse
Peoples Trust for endangered species – https://ptes.org/