Dormouse
Nest tube surveys are a reliable way of determining whether this protected species is present on a development site, but they can only be carried out during April-November and several months to complete
Dormouse are legally protected under UK and European law and developments affecting these animals or their habitats are likely to require a European protected species licence before site clearance.
Surveys can be time consuming and seasonally constrained, possibly taking up to six months to complete over the summer and autumn. If dormouse are considered likely to occur on a proposal site, we strongly recommend initiating surveys at an early stage.
Ideally mitigation involves sensitive site design so that dormouse habitat is maintained within a site. If this is not possible, other options (under licence) may include phased vegetation clearance from the centre of a site outward, to allow dormouse to move gradually to nearby habitat.
Our team includes Natural England-licenced specialists experienced in survey, mitigation planning and European protected species licensing.