Of all British mammals the wood mouse is probably the most widespread. Despite its name this versatile little creature is not confined to woodlands. It is just as at home in much more open places, even mountains and moorlands, as well as gardens, where it will happily live in sheds and outbuildings.

Wood mice are always cautious, sniffing suspiciously before approaching anything unfamiliar. Their large hind feet allow them to leap away from danger like kangaroos. When moving very fast they will often bound along with their front feet tucked up. As an anti-predator technique they usually only move under the cover of darkness, but frequently fall prey to the likes of owls and cats. They are generally short-lived; the maximum life span in the wild is rarely more than two years.