Protection and Guidance

The hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius is legally protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and is afforded significant further protection as a European Protected Species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). Collectively and in summary, this legislation makes it an offence to:

• Deliberately capture, injure or kill hazel dormice
• Damage or destroy a dormouse resting place or breeding site
• Deliberately or recklessly disturb a hazel dormouse while it’s in a structure or place of shelter or protection
• Block access to structures or places of shelter or protection
• Possess, sell, control or transport live or dead hazel dormice, or parts of hazel dormice

Guidance

For further information on hazel dormice, work that might affect them or habitat management, please see links below.

Natural England’s Standing Advice

People’s Trust for Endangered Species

Managing Woodlands for Dormice: Small Woodland Owners

Forestry Commission Guidance