Dormouse Nest Box – FSC Certified Conservation Nest Box

Carefully designed for conservation use, this Dormouse Nest Box provides a safe, dry and insulated nesting space for one of the UK’s most elusive and protected mammals.

Hazel dormice have declined dramatically across the UK due to habitat loss, hedgerow fragmentation and the removal of traditional woodland structure. Dormouse boxes are widely used in licensed monitoring, habitat enhancement and reintroduction projects, helping to replace the natural nesting sites that have been lost.

This box is constructed from precision-cut FSC® certified exterior-grade plywood and is left completely untreated. Dormice are particularly sensitive to chemicals and preservatives, so the absence of any finish is a deliberate and essential design choice.

The entrance hole faces towards the tree trunk rather than outwards. This discourages birds from using the box and better reflects the way dormice naturally move along branches and through hedgerows, entering nests from above or behind. A fully removable lid allows licensed ecologists to inspect and clean the box when required, while the simple front fixing point allows the box to be secured with wire around a tree or post without damaging the trunk.

Why it matters

Dormice are a protected species and a powerful indicator of healthy, connected habitats. Their presence tells us that hedgerows, scrub and woodland edges are functioning as living corridors rather than isolated fragments.

While this nest box is primarily a conservation tool, it may also be used opportunistically by other small mammals in areas where dormice are absent – such as wood mice – reflecting the broader ecological value of providing safe, elevated nesting spaces.

This is not a general-purpose wildlife box, but a specialist product intended for informed, responsible use.

Where to site

• Fix around 1.5 metres above ground

• Attach to a small tree trunk, hedge base or sturdy post

• Position with the entrance facing towards the tree

• Choose areas with connected hedgerows, bramble, honeysuckle or hazel

• Avoid isolated gardens with no surrounding habitat connectivity

⚠️ Important legal note:
Dormice and their nests are fully protected by law. Nest boxes should only be opened, inspected or disturbed by licensed individuals.

Selected for Wild Your Garden with guidance from Joel Ashton, this dormouse nest box reflects a habitat-first approach – supporting conservation quietly and correctly, without over-intervention.