Dormice Surveys

Dormice are arboreal mammals and their nocturnal behaviour means they are very rarely seen. This secretive mammal can spend several months asleep, hence the name ‘dor’ coming from the Latin ‘dormir’ (to sleep).

Dormice have declined massively over the last 100 years and they are now extinct in many parts of England. Reintroductions are however in progress and BL Ecology is involved in monitoring a population in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Dormice are normally associated with well established hedgerows, hazel rich woodland and ancient coppice. Their diet relies heavily on hazel nuts in autumn as they try to gain weight for hibernation over winter. Surveys are normally undertaken between May and October.

They receive protection under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitat Regulations 2010. It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure, disturb, collect, trap or sell dormice.

Dormice are extremely vulnerable to habitat changes such as hedgerow removal, even if it is temporary. If you have been asked for a dormouse survey or feel that they are potentially present on your site, please contact BL Ecology who can assist you with your enquiry.

We can offer licensed dormouse surveys, mitigation plans and where disturbance is unavoidable we can apply for a Natural England licence to disturb and mitigate for the loss of any habitat. If you require any of these services please contact BL Ecology on 01274 816800.