Dormouse

In the UK over the last 100 years, dormice numbers and distribution across Britain have seen significant declines, primarily as a result of habitat loss. Dormice are fully protected under UK and European legislation in England including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Taken together, these legislative instruments make it illegal to intentionally or deliberately kill, injure, capture or disturb dormice whether in a nest or not to damage, or destroy dormouse breeding sites or resting places.

Any activity that would result in a contravention of the above legislation would require a Natural England licence to avoid committing an offence. Our ecologists hold Natural England dormouse licences and are experienced in carrying out surveys, the supervision of habitat removal and translocation works.

As dormouse habitats have declined they are now increasingly found in lower quality habitats such as small copses, scrub and conifer plantations, which may be more likely to be affected by development. ECOSA have recently recorded the species in buddleja and Japanese knotweed growth adjacent to woodland habitats.

ECOSA have extensive experience in surveying for dormouse to identify key breeding, foraging and commuting habitat. Survey methods include box and tube surveys carried out through the summer months and nut search surveys carried out in September to November.

Using our survey data to devise appropriate mitigation strategies, we have successful attained many Natural England licences for development works affecting dormice and their habitat. Mitigation works include habitat creation and enhancement and habitat management to encourage animals to disperse to a suitable alternative site away from the development area.

Minimum survey requirements for dormouse: monthly visits over the period April to November for one year.