Here’s how you can do your bit to strengthen the dormouse population
Numbers of hazel dormice have dwindled dangerously in recent years but they’re still there, particularly in southern England and parts of Wales. They’re fascinating creatures, which you can read more about on our Magical Creatures page this month (page 33), and a joy if you manage to spot one, or even signs one has been about.
The People’s Trust for endangered species has lots of information about dormouse monitoring on its website but here’s a bit about how to get started.
Carry out a nut hunt
Dormice leave a distinctive hole in hazelnut shells. They eat them when they’re green straight from the tree but the empty shells later turn brown and fall to the ground and are a sure sign dormice are about. That information can help organisations like The PTES protect those dormice in the future by advising landowners and woodland managers on ways in which they can help look after the little fellers.
It’s best done in Autumn when the shells start to fall but you can start looking for spots to monitor now, and the PTES have produced a really useful Dormouse Monitoring sheet you can print out on all you need to know but here are the basics so you can get thinking about it.
First, identify some land with hazel (The PTES sheet has instructions on how to spot hazel), and make sure you have the permission of the landowner if needed.
Take a container with you and spend about 20 minutes gathering hazel nuts and shells beneath each tree, group of trees or section of hedgerow.
Once home, go through the nuts with a magnifying glass to identify any that may have been nibbled by dormice and set them aside.
You can then send them (or good quality photos of them) to the PTES along with your name and contact details and an Ordnance Survey grid reference for them to check.
Congratulations! You’re officially a dormouse monitor.
