Dormouse Houses
With their dark black eyes, bright chestnut fur and fluffy long tales, dormice are some of the most bewitching small creatures that we might see in our gardens. Sadly, they are an endangered species, so by offering them a place to nest and breed, we can help their survival.
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Dormice numbers are in decline. Introverted and nocturnal, dormice look for a place to nest in broad-leaf woodland areas and without these types of habitats available to them, they become easy prey for natural predators, like owls and weasels. Changes in farming practices, loss of hedgerows and woodland now means that they have less places than ever to nest.
Welcome dormice and other small mammals into your box
Our dormouse houses can make a cosy home for all types of dormice, including all the varieties round in Europe, such as edible, garden, forest and common dormice. These houses may also be appreciated by small mammals, including harvest mice and even bumblebees!
Our boxes include the Schwegler 1KS Edible Dormouse and the Schwegler 2KS Common Dormouse houses, which offer an inexpensive way to help preserve these species. The entrance is at the rear of the house, facing the tree trunk, making it more difficult for birds to occupy. Our Ark Dormouse House is made from long-lasting timber and offers safe access from the trunk of the tree - the dormouse’s preferred route.
Our boxes are designed to provide an ideal nesting habitat
The boxes will need to be mounted on a tree at least 1.5 metres from the ground, in hazel coppices where dormice are known to frequent. Avoid damaging the trunk by attaching your box securely with a strap. If your box has a lid ensure it’s tightly shut, so predators cannot get in.
Dormice are protected by law in the UK, so must not be handled or disturbed unless you have a licence to do so.
We can help, talk to us
We are here to assist with any questions you may have about dormice habitats, nest boxes and conservation. If you need advice or help at any time, please call freephone: 0800 085 4865.
