Dormice Surveys

Ecology

Dormice are nocturnal and arboreal mainly living in deciduous woodland and scrub foraging on flowers, fruits and insects. During the winter months dormice hibernate at ground level usually under moss or ivy and are not active again until April or May. Dormice can occur throughout England and Wales, but are concentrated in central and southern counties.

Survey Methods

Wherever development may impact on habitat used by dormice for shelter, protection, resting or breeding, a survey must be carried out by a licensed ecologist. A variety of survey methods are used to detect dormice.  Dormouse behaviour varies over the course of the year, so different survey methods are used according to season.

• Nut search: Examining the site for gnawed hazel nuts.

• Nest tubes: Introducing and monitoring nest tubes on site.

• Nest boxes: Introducing and monitoring nest boxes on site.

• Nest search: Examining the site for dormice nests.

Protection & Legislation

Dormice and their habitat are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Habitats Regulations 1994, making it illegal to:

• Intentionally or deliberately kill, injure or capture dormice;
• Intentionally or deliberately or recklessly disturb dormice;
• Intentionally or deliberately or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct breeding or resting sites or places used for shelter or protection by dormice (whether occupied or not);
• Possess or transport a dormice or any parts of a dormouse unless under licence;
• And sell or exchange dormice or any parts of dormice.

Dormice are also protected against cruelty under the Protection of Mammals Act 1996 and are a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Licensing & Mitigation

If dormice are found on land proposed for development a mitigation plan will be required. The mitigation strategy will only be granted a licence from Natural England if it is clear there will be no net loss in the dormouse population. Hence, mitigation should aim to maintain the population of dormice that existed on the site prior to the start of the development.

Typical mitigation measures include:

• Clearance
• Planting
• Nest boxes
• Green bridges
• Post development management
• Installing wooden gates
• Connecting isolated fragments of woodland

Contact Abricon for free initial advice on dormice surveys