Hazel dormice surveys
Hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) were once widespread across England and Wales. With the loss of woodland and hedgerows, they have become a rare and vulnerable native British species. Hazel dormice can be found in the south and west of England and Welsh border counties. Scattered populations exist further north and east.
In the UK, Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 recognises and protects hazel dormice and their habitat from disturbance. The species also has additional protections as a European Protected Species.Hazel dormice usually live in well-established broadleaved woodland, particularly ancient semi-natural woodland. Their habitat includes species-rich hedgerows scrub and coniferous plantations.
Our ecology consultants have delivered multiple projects with dormouse constraints. We have highly experienced and licenced ecologists that can seamlessly guide you through the planning process and help you achieve your desired outcome.
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Surveying
Dormice are hard to spot and difficult to survey. If a site is within the known distribution range and contains a suitable habitat, a survey can determine their presence or likely absence.
Surveys usually take the form of:
- nut hunts to identify traces of their feeding
- searches to find their distinctive natural nests
- the planting of nest tubes or nest boxes.
The diet of a hazel dormouse varies throughout the year. It is best to carry out searches for gnawed nuts left by dormice from mid-August to December when fresh hazelnuts are present on the ground.
If a nut search proves inconclusive, a nest tube survey can be undertaken from April to November.
Survey calendar
- Nest box/tube survey: April – Possible survey period, May – Sept – Optimal survey period, Oct – Nov – Possible survey period
- Nut search survey: April – Possible survey period, May – Sept – Optimal survey period, Oct – Nov – Possible survey period
If dormice are present
You will need to obtain a European Protected Species Licence. Natural England is responsible for granting licences. An ADAS ecologist can arrange this for you.
To proceed with any work, licence conditions may require suitable mitigation and compensation measures.
Mitigation calendar
Jan – Mar – Above ground clearance may be possible, Apr – Oct – Removal of stumps, roots and other ground level clearance possible (if top growth removed over winter), Nov – Dec – Above ground clearance may be possible
*Please note if a European Protected Species Mitigation (EPSM) Licence is required, the process can take some time and requires that recent survey work has been carried out at the site for this species. Survey work is seasonally constrained.
