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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
- Close
- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Key species and habitats // Hazel dormice // Surveying and monitoring hazel dormice // National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP)

National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP)

The NDMP monitors the long-term dormouse population trend. Each site contains a minimum of 50 dormouse boxes installed in a woodland or hedgerow. They are checked at least twice a year, in May or June and September or October between the 15th and 25^th of the month. The number, sex, weight and age of dormice found are recorded and we collect the results, which together provide the data for The State of Britain’s Dormice report (previous papers published in 2016 and 2019).

If you find a dead dormouse, if possible please send the carcass to ZSL for a post mortem following the advice from ZSL.

The advice for monitoring in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 has lessened, but there is still a concern as the virus has been identified in rodents but the effects are unknown.

Anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms, or suspects that they may have covid, should not attend a dormouse check.
It is at the discretion of the licenced monitor as to group size.
When collecting biometric data on dormice, keep handling to a minimum.
It is important that hands are sanitised between handling animals from different boxes.
Any equipment used on different sites should be thoroughly washed between uses.

Set up a site

To set up an NDMP site, the site must contain dormice and you’ll need landowner permission for long-term monitoring. You could look for dormouse opened hazelnuts or use footprint tunnels to determine whether dormice are present. A disturbance license is required for box checking. Additional help for licensees, trainers and trainees is available here. We may be able to provide dormouse boxes at a nominal cost as part of our dormouse box scheme.

To register as a monitor or set up a new site please contact susan.sharafi@ptes.org or call 020 7498 4533. Registered monitors can download the NDMP guidelines and forms 2024 and enter data online. Please ensure all data is entered by the end of the year.

Download NDMP 2024 guidelines

Monitors are emailed Dormouse Tales on all things dormouse four times a year and you can sign up to an online dormouse discussion forum. Please contact susan.sharafi@ptes.org.

We are extremely grateful to all our dormouse monitors for their contribution to the programme and to our partners at Natural England.

How does your site compare?

You can compare how well your site is faring with our site at Briddlesford Woods on the Isle of Wight.

Total number of dormice in spring and autumn recorded in UK regions compared with Briddlesford per 50 boxes.

Total number of mature dormice in spring and autumn recorded in UK regions compared with Briddlesford per 50 boxes.

Total number of litters of dormice in spring and autumn recorded in UK regions compared with Briddlesford per 50 boxes.

Data can be input online here:

Data input

We have been working to save hazel dormice in the UK for over 20 years. Find out about our campaigns and how you can help.

How you can help

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