More than 40 rare hazel dormice have been reintroduced into a Leicestershire woodland this week. A wildlife charity and its partners released the tiny creatures in a bid to save the declining native species from extinction. The release is part of an ongoing national programme that has been restoring the animals to woodlands across Britain for over 30 years.
Last year, 21 of the golden-coated mammals were released into the same woodland on the Bradgate Park Trust estate. That initial project successfully created the only known population of hazel dormice in Leicestershire. The estate boasts some of the best remaining ancient woodland in the county and is a designated National Nature Reserve.
Although the dormice released last year have bred and appear to be settling well, more have been introduced to boost genetic diversity. Ian White from People’s Trust for Endangered Species explains: “Hazel dormice have declined by over 70% nationally since 2000 due to habitat loss, poor woodland and hedgerow management and climate change.”
“These figures are extremely concerning, but over the past 30 years our reintroduction programme, alongside habitat restoration, sympathetic woodland management and monitoring, is giving this threatened species a real chance of recovery.”
“And, on a local level, by releasing more dormice into Bradgate Park this week, we are one step closer to creating a larger, connected population that hopefully will one day span the whole National Forest, giving further cause for hope.”
Monitoring and Breeding Success
Since their initial release in June 2025, local volunteers and rangers have been regularly monitoring the animals using special nest boxes. Encouragingly, the team found 46 dormice during an October 2025 check, which was double the number of animals initially released. There was also clear evidence of breeding, with 11 young recorded in August and 15 discovered in September.
James Dymond from Bradgate Park Trust said: “We’re hugely encouraged by how well last year’s dormice have settled into their new home, and to know there is evidence of breeding is extremely gratifying for everyone involved in both the release and ongoing monitoring.”
“We’re thrilled that more dormice will be joining our existing population this year, and look forward to another summer of nest box checks supported by our fantastic volunteers and, hopefully, finding more evidence of breeding as a result.”
Matt Smith from Bradgate Park Trust added: “Over the past decade we’ve worked hard to sensitively manage our woodlands to ensure they are well connected and provide the best habitat possible for various species, including hazel dormice.”
“We’re committed to long-term management and by working with conservation organisations we can help ensure these iconic mammals continue to thrive in our woodlands for many more years to come.”
National Recovery Programme
The annual reintroductions are part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme. Since that project began in 1993, a total of 1,163 dormice have been released into 27 different woodlands across Britain. All of the dormice released are bred by members of the Common Dormouse Captive Breeders Group.
Before their big release, all the animals undergo a thorough nose-to-tail health check by wildlife vets to ensure they are healthy. Volunteers from the park play a vital role in helping the creatures settle in by checking on them daily in safe enclosures. After 10 days, vets return for a final check before the cage doors are opened and the animals are free to explore.
Hazel dormice are the only small British mammal with a furry tail, alongside golden-brown fur and large black eyes. They are nocturnal animals that are active from late spring until autumn and hibernate over winter in nests on the ground.
To find out more about the conservation work, you can visit www.ptes.org/dormice.
