Put up a small mammal box

Helping out small mammals

Dormouse

Dormouse numbers have suffered a steep decline owing to a loss of suitable habitat in Britain. They are mainly found in southern England but there are other scattered populations. You can buy a dormouse box from a specialist supplier or make your own.

A dormouse box looks a little like a bird box with a small round hole and should be positioned on a tree with the hole facing the tree trunk so that the mouse can climb in. Avoid damaging the trunk by attaching it securely with a strap. Make sure that the box lid is tightly shut so predators can't get in.

Dormice are protected by law in the UK. They may not be killed, injured, disturbed in their nests, collected, trapped or sold except under licence

Mice

Wood mice and yellow necked mice sometimes nest in bumblebee boxes. These are usually sited along a fence, under a hedge or in a border where there's good cover for foraging mice.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are often called the gardener's friend because they can help to control pests. Find out how to provide a home for hedgehogs.

Bats

Bats may use a box that you put up as a summer or autumn roost. You may even be lucky enough to have bats hibernating in your garden. Find out more on our put up a bat box page.