Where are dormice found in UK?
These rare rodents usually reside in branches in the woodland canopy, rarely descending to ground level other than to hibernate. They favour deciduous woodland, hedgerows and scrub, and are largely restricted to southern England, with a few scattered populations in the Midlands, Wales and Lake District.
Are there dormice in England?
The current dormouse range is Southern England and South Wales and along the English/Welsh border. Even where dormice are considered present their distribution is patchy.
Where do you find dormice?
Diet: Dormice feed on flowers, pollen, fruits, insects and nuts. General Ecology: The dormouse is a strictly nocturnal species found in deciduous woodland and overgrown hedgerows. It spends most of its time climbing among tree branches in search of food, and rarely comes to the ground.
Are there dormice in Scotland?
They have never been recorded in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Ian White is dormouse officer at the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. In 1885, dormice were present in 49 English counties; today, they’re known in 32 – excluding those counties where they have been reintroduced.
What to do if you find a dormouse?
If you are lucky enough to see a dormouse, please report your sighting to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, to help the conservation charity increase their knowledge of the species. Remember that a special licence is required to handle dormice, so people are advised not to attempt picking one up.
Are there dormice in Lincolnshire?
Wildlife campaigners have secretly released 11 of the hazel dormice have into the woods of Lincolnshire. The dormice are extinct in 17 English counties and the population has fallen by a third since 2000. A small door in the cages is then opened, leaving the dormice free to explore their new home.
What do I do if I find a dormouse?
Is there an edible dormouse?
Edible dormice are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on berries, apples, and nuts. However, they are adaptable, and have also been reported to eat bark, leaves, flowers, invertebrates, and even eggs.
Are there dormice in Shropshire?
In Shropshire dormice are mainly found in the southwest of the county. Records are centred on Clun, Wenlock Edge and Habberley. Large areas such as Bridgnorth to Cleobury and Mortimer and Chirbury to Church Stoke have not yet been surveyed to determine distribution in more detail.
Are dormice protected in the UK?
Contents. Hazel dormice, their breeding sites and resting places are protected by law. You may be able to get a licence from Natural England if you can’t avoid disturbing them or damaging their habitats.
What do hazel dormice eat?
Their favourite foods are hazelnuts, berries and insects. Dormice build nests out of grass and leaves ready for the female to give birth to up to seven young.