Protected Species Surveys > Dormouse
The Dormouse is a European Protected Species and enjoys full legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and by the Habitat Regulations 1994. This legislation makes it an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place, intentionally or recklessly obstruct any place used for shelter or protection, deliberately, intentionally or recklessly disturb a dormouse or intentionally kill, injure or take a dormouse. Actions that are prohibited by the above legislation can be made lawful by the granting of an appropriate licence.
Greenwillows Associates incorporates habitat suitability surveys for dormice within the standard Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys we offer. Where necessary these initial screening surveys can be extended to include dedicated dormouse surveys by our licensed surveyors to determine their presence or absence.
If dormice are found Greenwillows Associates can assist developers in the preparation of mitigation strategies in support of an application for a European Protected Species Licence.
Our Checklist of Services which complies with national best practice standards set out by Natural England includes:
- Desk study and data searches for historical biological records pertinent to the target site
- Field assessments for habitat suitability for dormice to establish the potential for their presence
- Field surveys for presence/absence of dormice
- Preparation of applications to obtain European Protected Species Licences for mitigation schemes including translocation where necessary
- Design of appropriate mitigation and implementing habitat creation where necessary
- Translocation of animals under licence
- Post construction monitoring of dormouse populations to meet planning and licence agreements