The wonderful world of hazel dormice

About the event

Delve into the fascinating world of hazel dormice at this online talk with conservationist Ruth Moss. The elusive and sadly endangered hazel dormouse is extraordinarily cute and renowned for being hard to spot. They sleep most of the day and at night they run along branches within thick hedgerows or climb high in trees seeking hazelnuts, berries and insects. One of the main threats faced by dormice, driving their decline, is the loss of suitable habitat.

Ruth’s talk will provide a charming insight into the wonderful world of hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius). She will cover their ecology (including what they eat throughout the year and the types of habitats they use), their behaviour (including hibernation and torpor), their distribution in the UK and important role within an ecosystem. She will discuss the different ways in which their population is monitored, as well as what you can do to help this adorable species from further population decline. Expect fascinating information paired with lots of very cute photos. 

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions after the main presentation.

About your speaker

Ruth Moss is a Conservation and Mapping Officer at the CRT. Ruth loves all wildlife, and is particularly interested in hazel dormice, as well as moths and fungi. Ruth grew up on a 125-acre farm in the North Yorkshire National Park and spent her childhood exploring the farm's grasslands, woods, and moorland, where her love for wildlife blossomed. Ruth has a BSc degree in 'International Wildlife Biology'.

Within Ruth’s role at the CRT, Ruth was involved with the data collection on two CRT farms in Herefordshire (Awnells and Turnastone) as part of a wider research project looking into hedge characteristics and hazel dormice presence using footprint tunnels as a monitoring technique. 

Ruth Moss checking a hazel dormouse box. Image thanks to Mike Coleman

The details

Booking is essential to receive the link

The talk is aimed at adults but all ages are welcome

Free event (donations are welcomed to support the work of the Countryside Regeneration Trust).  Please note donations are not refundable in the event of cancellation.

This event will be hosted on Teams and you will be sent the link to join in your confirmation email

A recording of the talk will only be made available to those who have registered in advance

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