We have scattered populations of hazel dormice in south and central Suffolk.  Dormice are in decline nationally so it's very important to know how our local populations are faring. Suffolk Wildlife Trust undertake monitoring through the Essex and Suffolk Dormouse Group which is affiliated to both the relevant Wildlife Trusts. 

In Suffolk, we currently monitor dormice using nest boxes at 13 sites at least twice a year, with all the work carried out by specially trained and dedicated volunteers. Dormice are highly protected and monitoring them requires a licence, so all volunteers are provided with regular training. We have around 30 active volunteers from as far afield as Yorkshire! 

All the data is input into the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme, administered by The People’s Trust for Endangered Species, to continue to help identify national population trends. In addition to monitoring, we also carry out surveys to try and find new populations of dormice and at Bradfield Wood we are also undertaking research to find out about their ecology in more detail.  

Unfortunately, dormice are declining at most of our sites. This is largely for as yet unknown reasons but likely to be linked to climate change due to milder winters and more extreme weather events. The research is still in its early stages at the moment. 

You can find out more about how dormice are faring by downloading 'The State of Britain's Dormice, 2019' by The People's Trust for Endangered Species here.