Struggling native British animal given boost from hot and dry weather

Britain’s hazel dormice have increased in number by nearly 10% over the past five years, offering some hope for a species whose population has fallen sharply since 2000. Conservationists say the rise may be linked to warmer, drier spring and summer weather, but stress that the animals remain vulnerable and need continued protection.

The UK is estimated to have around 750,000 hazel dormice, with numbers still 59% lower than in 2000. Higher temperatures and lower rainfall may have increased the supply of fruit and flowers, helping dormice breed, while habitat loss and climate change remain major threats. The species has disappeared from 20 English counties since the late 19th century and has been reintroduced to six.