Acer Ecology’s fully licensed ecologists have carried out numerous dormouse surveys across Somerset and the surrounding areas.
Surveys 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 erecting nest boxes or tubes in suitable dormouse habitats such as hedgerows, scrub and woodland. Dormice gain shelter, therefore, nest in the boxes and tubes, allowing us to find them. The nut search method involves checking hazelnuts for the distinctive pattern left by dormouse as they feed on the nuts.
Dormouse surveys can be time-consuming, as nest box and tube surveys can take up to six months to complete from March to October. Nut searches can be undertaken throughout the year but produce the most reliable results between September and November.
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.
Have you been asked to undertake a survey for dormice?
Our fully licensed dormouse specialists are experienced in the survey, European Protected Species licensing, as well as mitigation design and implementation. We have the capacity to carry out surveys across Somerset, including Bridgwater, Taunton, Glastonbury, Wells, Cheddar, Shepton Mallet, Frome, Minehead, Chard and Yeovil, as well as the surrounding areas of Bristol, Bath, Trowbridge, Sherborne, Exeter, Dorset and Devon.
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.
