Acer Ecology’s fully licensed ecologists have carried out numerous dormouse surveys across Carmarthenshire and the surrounding areas.
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.Have you been asked to undertake a survey for dormice by your local planning authority?
The three main methods used to survey for dormice are nest box surveys, tube surveys and nut searches. Dormouse surveys can be time-consuming, as next box 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. Dormice and Developments Dormice are fully protected under the UK and European law and consequently it is an offence to kill, capture, or disturb them, or to damage their habitats. If a proposed development is likely to affect dormouse, then a European Protected Species Licence will be required prior to the commencement of works. The licence application process requires the agreement of a method statement which will ensure that dormouse can continue to occupy the site after the development has been completed. If dormouse habitat loss is unavoidable as a result of a development, mitigation will involve phased clearance, coupled with the translocation or replanting of trees and shrubs of similar extent to those lost. Very occasionally it will be necessary to capture and transfer dormice away from the development site to a pre-prepared receptor area. Our ecologists have undertaken surveys in and around Carmarthen, including Ammanford, Pembrokeshire, Kidwelly and Llanelli. For more information about dormouse surveys, please call us on 02920 650 331, or email enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.More information on the hazel dormouse can be found in our dormouse article.