At Acer Ecology, our fully licensed ecologists can undertake dormouse surveys in and around Worcester including Evesham, Upton-upon-Severn, Droitwich Spa, Redditch, and Kidderminster. We also serve the counties neighbouring Worcestershire, including Herefordshire, South Shropshire, Warwickshire, and Gloucestershire.
Under UK and European law, dormice are fully protected. Therefore, it is an offence to damage their habitat, or to disturb, capture or kill them.
As such, local planning authorities may ask you to undertake a survey for dormice. There are three main methods to survey for dormice, which are:
- nest box surveys,
- tube surveys, and
- 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 requires the agreement of a method statement including appropriate mitigation strategies.
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.
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.
