Dormice are fully protected under UK and European law.
Therefore, it is an offence to kill, capture, or disturb them, or to damage their habitats.
The fully licensed ecologists at Acer Ecology have undertaken dormice surveys throughout Gloucestershire, including around Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Lydney, the Forest of Dean and across the Cotswolds. We can also serve the surrounding counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Monmouthshire.
Survey Methods for Dormice
There are three main methods of surveying for dormice, comprising nest box, tube surveys and nut searches. Nest box and tube surveys involve putting up nest boxes or tubes in suitable dormouse habitats such as hedgerows, scrub and woodland. Dormice gain shelter and so nest in the boxes and tubes. The nut search method involves checking hazelnuts for the distinctive pattern left by dormice as they feed on the nuts.
The main survey method we use comprises a ‘dormouse nest-tube survey’, whereby specially-constructed artificial nesting or roosting tubes/ boxes are fastened underneath horizontal branches in areas of suitable habitat using garden wire. They are left in place over a period of several months. The standard survey methodology requires the deployment of at least 50 nest tubes and uses an index of probability to calculate a survey effort score. Nest tubes are most frequently occupied in May, August and September and so these months score highest.
Dormice and Developments
If a proposed development is likely to affect dormice, then a European Protected Species Licence will be required prior to the commencement of works. The licence application process will require the agreement of a method statement which will ensure that dormouse can continue to occupy the site after the development has been completed. If dormice 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 dormouse away from the development site to a pre-prepared receptor area.
Our licensed dormouse specialists are experienced in the survey, European Protected Species licensing, as well as mitigation design and implementation.
For more information, please call us on 029 2065 0331 or contact enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.
More information on the hazel dormouse can be found in our dormouse article.
