dormouse nest boxes
Dormouse nest boxes are wooden boxes similar to bird boxes, but with the entrance hole at the back of the box facing the tree. As well as providing additional shelter for hazel dormice, and other visitors, they offer a way of detecting these rare creatures. Large numbers of boxes can boost populations and be used as an effective survey method.
PTES has a specific fund and application process just for dormouse nest boxes. Applications are welcomed at any time of year to replace or provide new boxes.
- Download a dormouse nestbox design here to make yourself.
- Phil Smith, a dormouse monitor from Wiltshire, has also written some detailed instructions on how to make nest boxes from sheets of plywood after being given a PTES box fund grant.
click here for instructions
sketch 1
sketch 2
Please note inspecting nest boxes requires a licence from Natural England or the Countryside Council for Wales in areas where dormice are already known to be present. If boxes or tubes are put out speculatively to detect presence, this in itself does not require a licence, but a licence is essential once the first dormouse has been found. Read more about the use of nest boxes in Natural England’s Dormouse Conservation Handbook.
