What we do

The Hampshire Dormouse Group is committed to managing and monitoring dormice in Hampshire, an area that has been previously under-monitored despite its good dormouse habitat. We are finding out more about the distribution of dormice across the county by dormouse monitoring as part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. We promote dormouse friendly site and landscape management and support landowners with habitat management. We seek opportunities for education and training, and promote the highest environmental and ethical standards. Here’s more of what we do:

Dormice in Hampshire

Historically what dormouse populations were there, and what we do currently understand about their distribution in the county? This information drives what we do at the Hampshire Dormouse Group.

Dormouse box checks

Dormouse monitoring is an essential part of our dormouse conservation work. We regularly search for evidence of dormice-eaten nuts and take part in the annual great nut hunt. We monitor dormouse populations throughout the county through various dormouse box checks.

Dormouse nut searches

National Dormouse Monitoring Programme

The National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP) runs throughout the United Kingdom and is supported several hundred dormouse monitors who conduct box checks for dormouse throughout the year. We work with other nature conservation groups to monitor several NDMP sites in Hampshire.

hazel coppice habitat management dormice

Habitat Management and Landowner Liaison

Appropriate habitat management is an essential part of dormouse conservation. Dormice prefer managed woodlands and native hedgerows and we work with landowners to create, improve and manage optimum habitat for dormice.

Training

We provide support with training to be a dormouse monitor, learning to spot the signs of dormice and how to help dormouse in your area. Learn more about dormice, their ecology, conservation and monitoring with the Hampshire Dormouse Group.