Hazel Dormouse Survey

What is a dormouse survey?

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A hazel dormouse survey is a species survey that is conducted to establish the presence of dormice at a potential development site. The survey is conducted by a licenced ecologist and can establish the presence of dormice through monitoring methods such as nest box searches.

Depending on the outcome of the initial findings, an ecologist will write a report outlining the next steps. If evidence of a dormouse habitat is found, then a mitigation scheme will likely need to be put in place to avoid long term damage to the existing habitat. It is a legal requirement to carry out a dormouse survey if you think the development site encroaches on a natural resting place of a dormouse because they are a protected species in UK and European Law.

Call Ecology By Design on 01865 893346  or email: hello@ecologybydesign.co.uk     

Do I need a hazel dormouse survey?

You will need a dormouse survey if signs of dormice or an active dormouse habitat are found at a potential development site.

It is illegal to:

  • Damage or destroy a dormouse resting place or breeding site

  • Deliberately or recklessly disturb a hazel dormouse while it’s in a structure or place of shelter or protection

  • Block access to structures or places of shelter or protection

Are dormice protected?

Dormice are a European protected species, and they are also protected by UK and European Law. Dormice are protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations of 2017, the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, and the Natural Environment and Communities Act of 2006. As a protected species, disturbing or disrupting the habitats of dormice is classed as an unlawful act.

If any developments or new sites have the potential to impact dormice or their habitat, then a dormouse licence may be required to enable the works to proceed.

Why are dormice important?

Dormice are important because they are recognised as ‘flagship species’, a species that can heavily indicate the presence of other species and habitats. As their habitat is suitable for a wide range of other species, they are often seen as ‘bioindicators’. This means that their presence can be used to measure habitat integrity and indicate the suitability of habitats for other sensitive species.

Where are dormouse found?

Dormice are more commonly found in broadleaved woodland, species-rich hedgerows, and scrub. Dormouse protection and legislation mean you will likely need to carry out a survey if there is any possibility dormice are present.

Dormouse Survey Methodology

Hazel dormouse surveys are conducted mainly through three main ways - nest tubes, nest boxes or nut searches. Each survey can study dormice behaviour without disturbing or disrupting dormice.

Nut hunts

Nut hunts are an efficient and easy way to establish the presence of dormice, as they leave distinctive openings in hazelnuts when gnawing them. Nut hunts can be conducted in areas of suspected to have dormice habitats.

Nest tubes

Another method to determine the presence of dormice at a site is nest tubes. Plastic tubes with wooden inserts are placed in potential habitats, and monthly checks establish whether dormice visit the area.

Nest boxes

A popular survey method to establish the presence of dormice is the use of nest boxes. Nest boxes are placed in potential habitats. Nest boxes can be used to monitor whether dormice use the area and are useful in areas of dense woodlands.

Natural nest searches

If there is no hazel at the site, then other survey methods are used to establish or determine the presence of dormice. Natural nest searches are a way to do this. Dormice often weave their own nests, which usually are the size of a large grapefruit. They can usually be found in low growing shrubs. Nests are round, and the entrance holes are deliberately unclear.

How long do dormice surveys take?

The lead time for dormouse surveys is dependant on many factors, including:

  • Where they are taking place

  • When they take place (dormice use nest boxes more frequently at certain times of year)

  • The weather conditions

  • Whether the nest tubes and boxes are interfered with.

HAZEL DORMICE SURVEY GUIDELINES: WORKING WITH ECOLOGY BY DESIGN

Our team have both personal survey licences and a wealth of experience working with hazel dormice. Some of the services we provide are detailed below.

STAGE 1

  • Search available biological records for dormice

  • Examine aerial imagery for blocks of woodland and hedgerows and to assess connectivity

STAGE 2

  • Assess the suitability of onsite habitats as part of Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

  • Recommend and undertake nest tube/box/nut search surveys where necessary

STAGE 3

  • Assess how proposals may impact dormice and their habitat and advise on mitigation if required

  • Liaise with statutory authorities and obtain a licence where necessary