Hazel dormouse magnet – Backyard Heroes

Discover the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), one of Europe's rarest and most charming mammals. With its golden fur, large dark eyes, and fluffy tail, the hazel dormouse is the golden jewel of the European forest—a delicate and enchanting creature that spends its life in the canopies of hedges and forest edges, far from the sight of most people. As an indicator of ancient, untouched hedges and forest edges, the hazel dormouse is a living symbol of the health of the European landscape—and a species urgently in need of our protection.

This premium magnet features stunning wildlife photography that captures the characteristic golden fur and large eyes of this beloved yet endangered mammal.

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

• Population: Severely declined in Europe—disappeared from large parts of its historical range
• Habitat: Ancient hedges, forest edges, and deciduous forests with hazel, honeysuckle, and brambles
• Greatest Threats: Loss of ancient hedges, premature pruning, habitat fragmentation
• Ecological Role: Seed disperser for hazel and other native plants; indicator of ancient, untouched hedges
• Special Feature: Hibernates for up to 7 months a year—the longest hibernation of all European mammals

Fascinating Facts:

• The hazel dormouse hibernates for up to 7 months a year—from October to April
• During hibernation, its body temperature drops to near freezing and its heart rate to just 1 beat per minute
• Hazel dormice live almost exclusively in the canopies of hedges and trees—they rarely come to the ground
• They build spherical nests of grass and leaves, hidden in dense bushes
• A hazel dormouse weighs only 15 to 40 grams—lighter than a sheet of paper
• They are legally protected in the Netherlands and the EU—disturbing nests is a criminal offense

How to help hazel dormice in your garden?

• Plant native hazel, honeysuckle, and brambles for food and nesting opportunities
• Create dense, connected hedges for safe movement
• Install dormouse nesting boxes in suitable habitat
• Never prune hedges during nesting season (March–August)
• Support rewilding—hazel dormice need large, connected habitats

Read our complete rewilding guide for your garden →

We partner with organizations that make a real, measurable contribution to wildlife protection. Together, we are building a community of wildlife ambassadors—one magnet at a time.

With the purchase of this magnet, we donate €2.00 to wildlife protection—thus, you directly contribute to the conservation of the hazel dormouse and its habitat.

Part of our Backyard Heroes collection—turn your fridge into a tribute to the golden jewel of the European forest.