The British Dormouse: A Tiny Acrobat of the Hedgerows The British dormouse, more accurately known as the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), is one of Britains most enchanting yet elusive mammals. With its golden-brown fur, wide black eyes, and delicate whiskers, this tiny woodland resident looks almost storybook-like. Despite its charm, however, the dormouse is increasingly rare in Britain and is now considered a protected species. A Life in the Trees Unlike many small rodents that scurry along the ground, the British dormouse is an expert climber. It spends most of its life in shrubs and tree canopies, rarely descending unless absolutely necessary. Its long, bushy tail helps with balance, acting almost like a tightrope walker’s pole as it moves gracefully through branches. Dormice prefer ancient woodlands, thick hedgerows, and scrubby habitats rich in plant diversity. They rely on connected tree cover to travel safely. When hedgerows are removed or woodlands become ...
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife