The result is a rather untidy, loosely woven structure the size of a grapefruit, without any definite entrance. These nests may be close to the ground, but have been found as high as 22 metres. Typical sites are low bramble bushes or thick undergrowth beneath trees with edible fruit such a hazel and sweet chestnut. Look for nests from autumn until late spring when there is no danger of disturbing breeding animals. Nibbled nuts can also be used to identify the presence of dormice.
Small mammals have characteristic ways of opening hazel nuts.
The hole in a nut opened by a dormouse, has a smooth inside surface with toothmarks around it on the shell surface. A Practical Guide to Dormouse Conservation. The Mammal Society, London. The Mammal Society, London. A Red Data Book for British Mammals.