Dormice are charming little creatures, but are one of England’s most endangered species, as numbers have fallen around 75% in the last 25 years.
They spend up to 7 months asleep (using their tails to wrap around their body to climb to find food, which is needed to keep them alive during their long hibernations). Of course, the main reasons are always the same: habitat loss and chemicals from farming.
Understanding Dormice and Their Habitats
Cute as buttons, dormice live in woodlands and hedgerows. They weigh little more than a couple of coins, but need to feast up before their long hibernation. Hazelnuts are like gold to dormice, as they provide essential nutrients to feed them when awake, and to survive during hibernation.
Known for their large black eyes and long black whiskers, dormice are rarely seen but leave tell-tale signs when they have nibbled hazelnuts (neat round holes in the shells).
Woodlands and hedgerows serve as prime real estate for dormice. All that lush greenery not only acts as a home but also offers a network of safety. Yet, humans often slice through these green spaces for development and farmland. Fragmentation like this cuts dormice off from food, mates, and safe shelters.
Urban development and intensive agriculture claim more land every year. The trees and shrubs dormice rely on are dwindling. Imagine living on an island that steadily shrinks—this is the harsh reality dormice face. As their homes disappear, so do their chances of survival.
Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement
But all is not lost. Efforts are underway to give dormice a fighting chance. Conservationists and communities are joining forces, showing that many hands make light work. Everyone, from city dwellers to those in rural areas, can participate in these efforts.
This lovely card is printed on recycled paper, with natural flecks. And 20% of proceeds go to People’s Trust For Endangered Species, to help save dormice.
One big step is restoring hedgerows to bridge fragmented habitats. These connections help dormice move freely between areas. It’s like giving them a network of secret paths. Reconnecting these green corridors will help them find food, evade predators, and meet other dormice to grow their numbers. Download the free Dormouse Conservation Handbook.
Farmers are key players in the dormice conservation game. By working with wildlife organisations like The Nature Friendly Farming Network, they can leave parts of their land wild, allowing hedgerows and woodlands to thrive.
