Hazel Dormice Surveys
Clear, compliant ecological surveys for the protected hazel dormouse.
Determine the presence or absence of hazel dormice on your development site and get detailed reporting from the experts at aLyne Ecology. Contact us to discuss your project and get a quote from a team with over 20 years of experience.
What is a hazel dormice survey?
Conducted by a certified ecologist, a hazel dormouse survey helps to confirm the presence or absence of this rare and highly protected species, understand how they are using a site and report how a proposed development might affect them.
Dormice rely on well-connected woodland, hedgerows and scrub and are especially vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation. They are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).
Survey methods might include habitat assessments, nest tube surveys or searches for feeding signs, all of which can inform planning applications as well as supporting licensing.
Hazel Dormouse EPSL
If required, a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) permitting you to lawfully disturb hazel dormice and their habitats can be obtained through Natural England.
You must have full planning consent before applying, and your application must be informed by a Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube Survey.
An EPSL application will need to be approved by Natural England, which may take up to 30 working days from submission.
Hazel dormouse surveys we offer
We offer different types of dormouse surveys, including:
- Hazel dormouse nut surveys
- Hazel dormouse test tube surveys
Hazel Dormouse Nut Searches
In a nutshell
- Seasonality: Anytime (Optimal: Mid-August to December)
- Survey type: Field survey
- Report lead time: 2 weeks (from survey completion)
About Hazel Dormouse Nut Searches
If there is woodland, scrub or hedgerow present or adjacent to your development site, and they contain hazel, a Hazel Dormouse Nut Search can be carried out. A suitably trained ecologist will search for hazelnut shells to determine the potential presence of dormice.
However, a Nut Search alone cannot be used to confirm the presence or absence of the protected species.
Survey season
A Nut Search can be conducted any time of year, but it’s best carried out from mid-August to December, when there are fresh hazelnuts on the ground.
Project outcomes
A hazel dormouse nut search provides early ecological insight to help guide your next steps if a suitable habitat is present. Possible outcomes include:
No dormouse feeding signs recorded, helping to inform the assessment, but not confirming presence or absence.
Evidence suggesting potential dormouse presence, based on characteristic feeding signs, indicating a need for further survey work.
Clear justification for survey scope and planning-ready reporting to help you take the next necessary steps, such as a Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube survey.
Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube Surveys
In a nutshell
- Seasonality: April to November
- Survey type: Desk study, field survey
- Report lead time: 2 weeks (from survey completion)
- Report validity: 12-18 months
About Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube Surveys
A Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube Survey is a reliable method to determine the presence or absence of the protected hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius). Your survey will be conducted by an ecologist with a Hazel Dormouse Class Licence, using specially designed nest tubes. These will be deployed in suitable habitats and checked at intervals throughout the season.
Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube Surveys are usually recommended following a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), in the case that a development is likely to result in the disturbance or removal of a potential hazel dormouse nest or habitat.
Survey season
The Hazel Dormouse survey season is from April to November. Ideally, the nest tubes will be deployed in March and checked monthly throughout the season.
Nest tubes are most frequently occupied by hazel dormice in May, August and September.
Project outcomes
A hazel dormouse nest tube survey will provide robust evidence to inform planning decisions for your project. Survey outcomes may include:
Confirmation of dormouse absence, providing clear justification for proceeding without further dormouse mitigation.
Evidence of dormouse presence, informing the need for design changes or measures for avoidance or habitat retention.
Support for a dormouse EPSL application, where disturbance or habitat loss is unavoidable.
Clear, evidence-based reporting suitable for planning applications and informing next steps.
When is a hazel dormouse survey required?
A hazel dormouse survey might be required if a proposed development could affect habitats used by dormice or affect the connectivity they rely on. Common cases include:
- A proposed development affects woodland, hedgerows, scrub or woodland edges suitable for dormice.
- A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) has identified moderate or high dormouse habitat suitability.
- Works may result in habitat fragmentation or loss of connectivity between woodland blocks.
- A site lies within an area with known dormouse records.
- A local planning authority requests dormouse survey evidence to determine a planning application.
When can hazel dormouse surveys be performed?
Hazel dormouse survey seasonality depends on the type of survey being carried out:
Optimal Survey Season
Sub-Optimal Survey Season
Survey Not Possible
Hazel Dormouse Nut Searches
Hazel Dormouse Nest Tube Surveys
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our hazel dormouse survey process
We approach every hazel dormouse survey with care and professional judgement. With our support, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the ecological responsibilities that will guide your project.
01
Contact us for a quote
Reach out to our friendly team to discuss the details of your project and survey needs. We’ll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
02
Initial surveys & assessments
Through desk study and nut searches, we’ll gather the preliminary evidence to investigate and propose next steps.
03
Further surveying
Where required, our team will conduct Nest Tube Surveys to confirm the presence or absence of hazel dormice and the potential consequences of any development.
04
Report delivery
We’ll evaluate and report on our findings of potential impacts on this protected species, informing planning and licensing applications.
01
Contact us for a quote
Reach out to our friendly team to discuss the details of your project and survey needs. We’ll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
02
Initial surveys & assessments
Through desk study and nut searches, we’ll gather the preliminary evidence to investigate and propose next steps.
03
Further surveying
Where required, our team will conduct Nest Tube Surveys to confirm the presence or absence of hazel dormice and the potential consequences of any development.
04
Report delivery
We’ll evaluate and report on our findings of potential impacts on this protected species, informing planning and licensing applications.
Project outcomes for hazel dormouse surveys
Your hazel dormouse survey will provide the necessary evidence to understand risk, meet legal obligations and guide responsible project planning. Outcomes may include:
- Confirmation of the presence or absence of the protected species, based on appropriate survey methods.
- Clear justification for further mitigation or avoidance measures, where detrimental impacts are identified.
- Planning-ready reporting to the latest CIEEM guidelines, suitable for submission to local planning authorities.
- Expert support for EPSL applications where disturbance or habitat loss cannot be avoided.
Please note: Any additional work required after the initial survey would be scoped and quoted accordingly and discussed with you before proceeding.
Get a hazel dormouse survey quote
If your development could affect hazel dormice or their habitat, detailed, compliant survey work will be key to planning approval.
Get in touch with our experienced team to discuss your site, understand what is required of you and receive clear, considered ecological guidance that supports both your project outcomes and this highly protected species.
Contact details
info@alyneecology.co.ukGet a hazel dormouse survey quote
If your development could affect hazel dormice or their habitat, detailed, compliant survey work will be key to planning approval.
Get in touch with our experienced team to discuss your site, understand what is required of you and receive clear, considered ecological guidance that supports both your project outcomes and this highly protected species.