Dormice are fully protected under UK and European law, meaning that it is an offence to kill, capture or disturb them. It is also an offence to damage their habitats.
Due to this legislation, your local planning authority may ask you to have surveys done to check for the presence of dormice. There are three main methods of surveying for dormice, comprising nest box surveys, tube surveys, and nut searches. Dormouse surveys can be time-consuming, as both nest box surveys and tube surveys may take up to six months to complete from March to October. Nut searches can be conducted throughout the year, but are most reliable between September and November.
If dormice are found, a European Protected Species Licence will be required prior to the start of works. The licence application process will require the agreement of a method statement including appropriate mitigation strategies.
Have you been asked to undertake a dormouse survey?
Our ecologists have extensive experience in surveying and designing mitigation for dormice and can advise you on survey methodology, legal protection, mitigation options and the timing of development works.
We can carry out surveys in Bath and the surrounding areas including Chippingham, Melksham, Marlborough, Salisbury, Swindon, and Weston-super-Mare. We also serve the counties of Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset.
For more information about dormouse surveys, please call us on 02920 650 331, or email us at enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.
More information on the hazel dormouse can be found in our dormouse article.
