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Our ecologists are fully licensed to undertake your hazel dormouse surveys.
Nest Tube Surveys
This is a standardised survey methodology which involves placing at least 50 nest tubes within suitable vegetation and checking these for hazel dormice or nests.
Nut Search
This involves systematically searching for hazelnuts which have been opened by hazel dormice. This survey can only be used in areas with fruiting hazel trees.
Nest Search
This involves systematically searching vegetation for natural dormouse nests. This survey is usually carried out in conjunction with a nut search.
Mitigation Licences
We can apply for a European Protected Species (EPS) mitigation licence for you.
* Excluding VAT. Guideline prices are for a small, local site. Actual costs are based on various factors including site size and travel distance, get a free quote.
Not sure exactly what you require? Our experienced ecologists will provide free, no obligation advice, just ask.
The Process
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Request a quote
We will email you a free no obligation quote within 24 hours. If you are unsure of your requirements we are happy to provide advice. -
Accept our quote
We will get in touch with you to agree a site visit date. -
Receive our report
Our report will support your planning or licence application.
Learn More
Why hazel dormice surveys are needed
Hazel dormice are a European Protected Species and are legally protected. The dormice themselves, their nests and habitats are all protected.
If your proposed works are likely to impact upon suitable habitat (e.g. woodland, scrub, hedgerows) surveys may be required to ensure that the law is not broken and inform a successful planning application.
The survey process
Three survey methods can be used to check whether hazel dormice are present or likely absent. Nest tube surveys are most commonly used, sometimes in conjunction with nest and nut searches. It is only appropriate to use nest and nut searches by themselves for developments where only a small amount of habitat would be affected (e.g. small hedgerow gaps and removal of small areas of scrub).
Nest tube surveys
This is a standardised survey methodology which involves placing at least 50 nest tubes within suitable vegetation. These tubes are then checked for hazel dormice or nests throughout the active season (April to November).
Nest search
This involves systematically searching vegetation for natural dormouse nests. This survey can be undertaken at any time of year.
Nut search
This involves systematically searching for hazelnuts which have been opened by hazel dormice. Hazel dormice open hazelnuts in a characteristic way which means that they can be distinguished from nuts opened by other rodent species. This survey can only be used in areas with fruiting hazel trees and can be carried out between September and December.
The next steps
If surveys find that hazel dormice are present we will work closely with you to design practical mitigation to ensure your project complies with wildlife law and that your planning application is successful.
European Protected Species (EPS) licence
If impacts to hazel dormice cannot be completely avoided it may be necessary to apply for a EPS mitigation licence from the relevant Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage). These licences permit works affecting hazel dormice that would otherwise be illegal, and can be applied for after planning permission has been granted. We are experienced in preparing and applying for these licences.