Wood Mouse (apodemus sylvaticus)

The small wood mouse is extremely common. At Scotswood Garden, we rarely see them, but we regularly find evidence of them having nibbled holes in hazel nuts in the woodland. Along with woodland, its preferred habitats are grasslands and gardens. Females have up to six litters of young per year, each litter containing between four and eight young. Wood mice love to eat a range of berries and seeds, and in autumn they collect and store these foods to keep them going through the harsher winter months. It is mainly nocturnal and a good climber too.

Its large ears and eyes make it easy to identify. It is golden brown in colour with a pale tummy and a long tail. It is browner than the house mouse and bigger than the tiny harvest mouse. 

The wood mouse is an important part of the food chain. Its main predators are foxes, owls and cats. For Tawny owls in particular a ready supply of wood mice is thought to be vital to its diet.