Dormouse Survey

Dormouse Surveys and Mitigation Photo: Dormouse sleeping

Our professional approach to each of our client’s project allows us to recognise the need for development while adhering to current dormouse legislation.

The information below is for guidance only and may not include all aspects of the species or its mitigation. Full details are available from our qualified ecologists.

Did you know? DORMOUSE FACTS

Dormouse are arboreal and can be found in deciduous woodland and mature hedgerows.
They are mostly found in Central or Southern England Counties and Wales.
The dormouse is nocturnal.
They hibernate at ground level under moss and ivy.
It is illegal to kill or disturb a dormouse and its habitat

Legislation

The dormouse and its habitat is protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and The Habitats Regulations 1994. They are also protected against cruelty under The Protection of Mammals Act 1996 and are a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

It is illegal to:

Kill, injure, disturb or capture a dormouse.
Destroy or obstruct breeding or resting dormouse sites or places used for shelter or protection.
Possess or transport a dormouse or any parts thereof unless licensed.
Sell or exchange a dormouse or any parts thereof.

WHAT WE DO

Dormouse Survey Methods

Before any building or development begins on a site which may potentially impact on a dormouse population our licensed ecologists will survey the area using a variety of methods. As dormouse activity varies during the year different methods suit different times better.

Nut Search -A dormouse eats hazel or cob nuts in a particular way so gnawed shells are examined for tell tale signs.
Nest Tubes and Nest Boxes -Nest tubes or nest boxes are introduced throughout the site and monitored over a specific period of time.
Nest Search - Dormouse nests are searched for and examined on site.

Once a dormouse habitiat has been identified a further detailed assessment of the surrounding land is required.

Dormouse Licence Application

Should the presence of dormouse be proved we will prepare a detailed mitigation method statement with our suggestions as to how they can be protected and conserved during and after development. This can be used with the licence application to Natural England which can take approximately four weeks so we would recommend an early application to avoid development delays. A licence will only be granted if no net loss of the dormouse population is assured.

Mitigation

Our Creative Ecological Solutions maximise the choices available to you the developer. While preservation of the dormouse is extremely important to us we understand and appreciate the need to develop in the modern world.

Our suggestions may include some of the following:

Planting of native trees
Careful, monitored clearance of the site
Provision of artificial nest boxes
Green bridges linking nest sites to feeding areas
Connecting fragmented woodland to enlarge the habitat
Post-construction monitoring

Survey Times

Nut searches: J, F, M, A, M, J, J, A, S, O, N, D

Nest Box/ Nest Tube Surveys: M, J, J, A, S, O, N, D

Nest Searches: S, O, N, D

Booking a Dormouse Survey

As soon as you know you need a dormouse survey we recommend you book a date for our initial assessment. Please either call us on 01676 525880 to speak to our specialist Dormouse Survey department.

Alternatively please email your details to species@middlemarch-environmental.com and we will call you.

	BREEAM Assessments
	Phase 1 & Arboricultural Surveys
	Protected Species
	Mitigation Plans & Habitat Creation
	EIA & Masterplanning
	Business & Biodiversity