Hope for hazel dormice as over 40 released into ancient Leicestershire woodland
More than 40 rare hazel dormice have been released into ancient woodland in Leicestershire, supporting efforts to re-establish small mammals in the county.
The reintroduction, which takes place on Bradgate Park Trust land, is an important part of ongoing national initiatives by the Public Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).
These programs aim to save the dormouse, which has suffered a dramatic decline of more than 70 percent nationwide since 2000.
Conservationists attribute this decline to the loss of ancient woodlands, poor management of remaining habitat, and the destruction or neglect of bushes vital to their homes and movements.
The release this week by PTES and partner organizations follows a successful reintroduction in 2025, when 21 dormouses were released into the same woodland, forming Leicestershire’s only known population.
PTES said that while the dormouse released last year appeared to be breeding and settling into their new home, more individuals were being introduced to the site, described as one of the most beautiful ancient woodlands in Leicestershire, to increase their numbers and increase their genetic diversity.
Ian White, dormouse and education officer at PTES, said: “The dormouse has declined by over 70 per cent nationally since 2000 due to habitat loss, poor woodland and hedge management and climate change.
“These figures are extremely worrying, but our reintroduction program along with habitat restoration, sensitive woodland management and monitoring over the last 30 years are giving this threatened species a real chance of recovery.
“And at the local level, by releasing more dormice into Bradgate Park this week, we are one step closer to creating a larger, connected population that we hope will one day spread throughout the National Forest, providing even more reason for hope.”
Since the first dormouse was released into the woodland in June 2025, volunteers and rangers have regularly checked nest boxes at Bradgate Park, finding increased numbers of nests, a growing population and evidence of breeding.
During checks in October 2025, some 46 hazelnut nests were found and there was evidence of breeding; 11 of these were recorded in August and 15 in September.
James Dymond, director of Bradgate Park Trust, said: “We are hugely encouraged to see how well last year’s dorms have settled into their new homes and knowing there is evidence of breeding is hugely pleasing for everyone involved in both the release and ongoing monitoring.
“We are excited 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 finding further evidence of breeding as a result.”
Nest mice were bred in captivity by partner organizations as part of a reintroduction programme; Many of this year’s animals were provided by the Wildwood Trust following their most successful breeding season to date.
All animals were given a full health check and quarantined for four weeks to ensure they were healthy and free of any diseases, then released in pairs into nest boxes set inside large mesh enclosures with natural light, greenery and new food and water each day to help them acclimate to the wood.
After the last health check in 10 days, the cage doors will open and they will be able to freely explore the forest area.
PTES has seen 1,163 dormice released into 27 different woodlands in 14 counties across Britain since the reintroduction program began in 1993.
