County to get fresh batch of dormice

More than 40 dormice have been released into Leicestershire as part of a project to boost the species' declining numbers.

Last summer, 20 hazel dormice were released at Bradgate Park near Newtown Linford and 46 dormice were found in checks carried out in the autumn, indicating breeding.

The additional 40 animals are being introduced to make the population more robust.

Nationally, dormouse numbers have fallen by 70% since 2000, and the species is now extinct in 20 English counties, according to a 2023 report by the People's Trust for Endangered Species.

Ian White, from the trust, says this reintroduction was crucial for establishing dormice back into the woodland.

Before entering the wild, each dormouse undergoes a full health check and a four‑week quarantine period.

They are then paired and placed into nest boxes inside large mesh enclosures designed to mimic natural woodland conditions, complete with foliage, natural light, and fresh food and water.

Volunteers will monitor the animals daily for 10 days, ensuring they have enough food and water as they acclimatise.

During this settling‑in period, the dormice remain inside the mesh enclosures before being released to forage independently.

After a final health check at the end of the 10 days, the enclosure doors will be opened, allowing the dormice to explore the woodland freely.

Conservationists expect them to breed and gradually disperse into surrounding woodland and hedgerows.

Since the national reintroduction programme began in 1993, a total of 1,163 dormice have been released into 27 woodlands across 14 counties.

White said releasing more dormice into Bradgate Park puts them "a step closer to creating a larger, connected population that hopefully will one day span the whole National Forest, giving further cause for hope".

Hazel dormice are a native British species protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

Known for their large eyes and famously sleepy nature, they thrive in diverse woodland habitats rich in shrubs, trees, and flowering plants.

They are also considered an indicator species, their presence signals a healthy, well‑connected ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife, including bats, woodland birds, and rare butterflies.

Because of their protected status, only licensed professionals or trained volunteers operating under a formal licence are legally permitted to handle wild hazel dormice.

Intentionally disturbing or capturing them without authorisation is illegal.

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