Let's Talk Dormice

Dormice are protected by law in the UK. Dormice are therefore a material consideration in planning. 

Dormice are typically associated with wooded habitats, including woodland, hedgerows and scrub. However, populations are patchy throughout the UK with no known populations in a number of counties. If you have a project on a site supporting suitable habitats, you may need to discuss with a suitably qualified ecologist to establish whether Dormouse need to be considered as part of the project and whether surveys are needed to establish presence or likely absence. 

It is important to consider the need for Dormice surveys early on in a project as surveys are usually seasonally constrained. The most effective methods to confirm presence or absence are:

Nest Tube Checks

This method involves setting out nest tubes throughout suitable areas of habitat within the site. Tubes are then checked for presence of Dormouse and their nests on a monthly/bi-monthly basis. These surveys should ideally be spread over a number of months between April and November. The number of months requiring survey varies depending on time of year but surveys should ideally target May, August and September.

Gnawed Hazel Nuts

Where Hazel is present on the site or nearby, searching for gnawed hazel nuts can also be an effective method to establish presence or absence. Unlike other species, Dormice leave a smooth round hole with few tooth marks on the surface of hazel nuts. This survey method is best undertaken between mid-August and late December when hazel nuts are relatively fresh.

Footprint Tunnels

This method involves setting out tunnels which include a piece of paper and ink pad inside. When an animal walks over the ink pad it leaves its footprints on the paper. Dormouse footprints are distinctive and can be identified from other small animals. This survey should be undertaken for three consecutive three months between May and October. It should be noted that at the present time, the use of footprint tunnels is not an acceptable method to Natural England or Natural Resources Wales to demonstrate Dormouse absence at sites and therefore this method should be used in conjunction with other methods listed above.