At Acer Ecology, our fully licensed ecologists have undertaken a dormouse survey in Newbury, Berkshire.
Under the UK and European law, dormice are fully protected. Therefore, it is an offence to damage their habitat or to disturb, capture or kill them.
Our ecologists have extensive experience in surveying and designing mitigation for dormice. We can advise you on survey methodology, legal protection, mitigation options and the timing of development works.
Have you been asked to undertake a dormouse survey by your local planning authority?
The three main methods to survey for dormice are:
nest box surveys
tube surveys
nut searches
Dormouse surveys can be time-consuming, as nest 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, which includes appropriate mitigation strategies.
We regularly undertake surveys across Berkshire, including Newbury, Thatcham, Reading, Hungerford, Lambourn, and Swallowfield. We are also able to serve the adjacent counties of Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
For more information about dormouse surveys, or regarding any of our other ecological services, 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.
