ecology habitats marine

Dormice

The Dormouse is a UK and European protected species that is declining (slowly) according to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), on which it is listed as a Priority Species. It also features on many Local BAPs.

Most abundant in southern England and Wales, the Dormouse decreases in abundance through central and northern England, and is largely absent from Scotland.

Dormice are usually found in ancient semi-natural woodland and less intensively managed hedgerows but can also occur in plantation woodland and native scrub. They prefer woodland edge, overgrown clearings and areas where there is a high diversity of berry and nut producing trees and shrubs. Their home range is quite small, typically only 3000 square metres, and they live at low population densities.

Dormouse survey, Dormouse impact assessment, Dormouse mitigation

Our Dormouse capabilities are:

Ecology

Survey
Dormouse nest-tube and nut search surveys.

Design and Assessment
Masterplan design and Impact Assessment.

Licence Application
European Protected Species licence application, site supervision and monitoring.

Mitigation
Precautionary working method statements, tool box talks, pre-works survey and site supervision.

Management and Monitoring
Production of management plans and monitoring during construction and post mitigation.

Habitats

Mitigation
Dormouse nest box installation.

Habitat Creation and Restoration
Tree, scrub and hedgerow planting.

Habitat Clearance
Destructive searches for Dormice combined with strip clearance of small areas of habitat. Two phase winter clearance method for larger areas of Dormouse habitat. Stump grinding and treatment.

Habitat Management
Woodland, scrub and hedgerow Management to improve the quality of Dormouse habitat. Woodland coppicing and dead hedging.