Returning hazel dormice to Leicestershire: native species reintroduced in nationwide recovery programme - People’s Trust for Endangered Species

A new chapter for Leicestershire’s dormice

There’s some exciting wildlife news from Bradgate Park this week as more than 40 hazel dormice have been released into one of the park’s woodlands by People’s Trust for Endangered Species and partners.

The tiny golden-coated mammals are joining the 21 dormice released last year, helping to strengthen what is now Leicestershire’s only known dormouse population.

And there’s already plenty to celebrate. The first population appears to have settled in remarkably well. By autumn 2025, volunteers monitoring specially installed nest boxes had recorded 46 dormouse nests in the woodland, along with several litters of young – clear signs that the population is thriving.

A welcome boost for a rare species

Hazel dormice were once found across much of England, but their numbers have fallen dramatically due to habitat loss, declining hedgerow quality and climate change. Today, they are one of Britain’s most threatened native mammals, with national numbers declining by more than 70% since 2000.

This year’s release is part of People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ (PTES) long-running dormouse reintroduction programme. For more than 30 years, PTES has led efforts to restore native dormice to suitable woodlands across Britain, working with conservation organisations, land managers, breeders and volunteers to help reverse the species’ decline.

The charity has reintroduced dormice to woodlands across the country since the programme began in 1993, with Bradgate Park becoming one of the latest success stories.