Dormice – Top Ten Facts

• There is only one species of dormouse native to Britain – the common or hazel dormouse.

• The dormouse can sleep through three-quarters of its life!



• They have long, thick bushy tails that give them good balance in the treetops where they spend most of their active time.



• Dormice were considered a culinary delicacy by the Romans.



• They hibernate on or under the ground from October to April, and can be badly affected by disturbance during this period.

• Dormice can weave their own nests from shredded bark and twigs, but if given the choice will opt for more substantial nests in tree hollows. Indeed, nest boxes have been shown to increase local population densities.



• Male dormice become territorial in the breeding season, from May to September.



• Dormice have a lifespan of 5-6 years.



• They generally have one or two offspring per year.



• Their principle food source is the nuts, seeds and flowers of hazel, oak, bramble and honeysuckle.

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