dormice
ServicesInitial site assessment/ review of biological data
Surveys between April and November, with nest boxes deployed in March
report on mitigation strategy
Report or Dormice/mitigation strategy/ Natural England Licence Application (if required)/ongoing monitoring works
Detailed Assessments and Reports to Support Planning Applications
Legislation
In the UK, the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 legally safeguards dormice, their nesting grounds, and resting areas. Ignoring these regulations could lead to fines or incarceration.
Illegal activities include:
Intentionally harming, capturing, or killing hazel dormice
Wrecking or infringing upon places where dormice breed or rest
Knowingly or carelessly disturbing dormice within their sheltered areas
Obstructing dormice from accessing their protective zones
Holding, trading, managing, or moving either living or deceased dormice, or their parts
If certain conditions are met, such as records hinting at the presence of dormice or potential impacts on areas suitable for dormice, a dormice assessment becomes necessary.
Habitat
Farmland, Woodland
survey
The hazel dormouse predominantly dwells in deciduous forests, shrubby areas, and hedgerows, with a particular fondness for Hazel-rich environments. In the UK, their presence is primarily concentrated in southern England and Wales. If your development project is in an area known for dormice habitats or where they've historically been recorded, a dormouse evaluation might be necessary.
In the last century, there's been a significant decrease in both the population and the range of this species, with them once believed to be eradicated from nearly 8 counties. This decline is attributed to habitat reduction and shifts in woodland and hedgerow upkeep.
There are various methods to survey these creatures, with some being more reliable than others. At JCA, a dual-method approach is utilized to confirm if the species is present or not.
Keep in mind that many ecological evaluations are time-sensitive. Refer to our ecological survey calendar to effectively schedule your project, considering any time restrictions early on to avoid potential hold-ups.
survey timings
Dormice typically hibernate from mid-November to late March or early April, making surveys during this period unfeasible. The primary survey technique is using artificial nest tubes to ascertain presence or probable absence.Surveys with nest tubes employ a scoring system based on survey timing and effort. It's best to check these tubes periodically during their active months (April-November), with May, August, and September as crucial survey times. Additionally, looking for signs of feeding is possible.Contact Us
For more information on Dormice Survey, or to discuss a specific project, contact our office on 0845 463 4404.