Numbers of the hazel dormouse, otherwise known as the common dormouse, are dwindling. Since the turn of the century, numbers of hazel dormice have decreased by more than a third up to 2016.

Conservationists warn that the common dormouse could disappear entirely from Wales as its woodland habitat is lost.

The loss of ancient woodland and hedgerows across the UK is thought to be a major reason for the decline in dormouse numbers as the mice will not leave the safety of trees to cross large, open spaces.

Dedicated dormouse monitors have been counting the rodents in 26,000 nest boxes in 400 woodlands for more than 20 years. ... is that more active woodland management may be needed, not less." ...

Dormouse numbers are higher in woodlands with more varied tree heights and scrubby areas, and they prefer to use areas of woodland edge, and dense trees and shrubs, when they move around at night.

This year marks the 19th dormouse reintroduction, and in June, 17 pairs of dormice were released into woodland in Nottinghamshire, a county where dormice were once native. The reintroduction programme ...

After 10 days, vets will give them a final health check before the cage doors are opened so they can explore the wider woodland, mingle with the existing population, breed and disperse into new areas.

Loss of their woodland habitat is among the causes. Image: iStock. The data collected for reports is gathered via the group’s National Dormouse Monitoring Programme and involves volunteers ...

It is not only woodland that puts the dormouse under pressure, the loss of hedgerows - with some parts of the UK having lost half of their hedgerows - is also a factor according to the trust.

Dedicated dormouse monitors have been counting the rodents in 26,000 nest boxes in 400 woodlands for more than 20 years. Exeter conservation scientists have studied their records and identified a ...

The small rodent is already extinct in numerous parts of England, where it once thrived. The Woodland Trust says the continuing loss of native ancient woods in Wales could mean the dormouse faces ...