Wood Mouse
Apodemus sylvaticus
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Overview
The Wood Mouse is Britain's most common wild rodent and common throughout the Sefton Coast's scrub and woodlands. It's much larger-eyed and eared than House Mouse, with large protruding eyes adapted for nocturnal movement. Wood Mice are agile climbers and will go into trees to find seeds. They live in burrow systems under roots and log piles. You're unlikely to see one unless you run a mammal trap or look by torchlight — but they're present in every wood and scrub area.
At a Glance
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Muridae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Scrub · Hedgerow · Dune grassland edge |
| Diet | Seeds (primary), berries, nuts, insects, fungi |
| UK population | Around 40 million — the most common wild mammal in Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Common throughout the Sefton Coast in any habitats with seed and cover |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Formby pinewoods, dune scrub and hedgerows. Britain's most common wild rodent.
Identification
Large eyes and ears — much bigger relative to head than House Mouse. Sandy-brown above, grey-white below. Long tail. Long hind feet. Sandy (not grey) colour — no yellow breast band (compare Yellow-necked Mouse).
Viewing & Photography Tips
Track identification: tiny, four-toed footprints in soft mud near water. Cache piles of seeds under bark or in old bird nests are also diagnostic. Listen for rustling in dead leaves at night.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wood Mouse the same as a Field Mouse?
Yes — Wood Mouse and Field Mouse are the same species (Apodemus sylvaticus). It's called Field Mouse when found in agricultural and open habitats, and Wood Mouse in woodland. It's the same animal. It should not be confused with the House Mouse (Mus musculus), which is grey throughout and has much smaller eyes.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.