The hazel dormouse is one of the most endearing small mammals in Britain, unfortunately it is also a rare and endangered species. Their numbers have dropped by 75% over the last 25 years and they are now protected by law.

The aims of The Surrey Dormouse Group

Torpid Dormouse

Surrey is lucky enough to have a small thriving population of dormice and the Surrey Dormouse Group consists of volunteers who help by:

  • Monitoring the population for the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme by checking nest boxes each month between April and October
  • Encouraging numbers to grow by identifying and establishing new monitoring sites and installing nest boxes to provide a safe and secure place for dormice to rear their young
  • Attempting to understand more about how dormice use the nest boxes by undertaking filming projects at suitable monitoring sites
  • Contributing to a wider understanding of breeding patterns and behaviours