Dormice are a Protected Species, and any potential impact on the habitat of dormice or dormice themselves is a criminal offence.

In locations where dormice are known to be present, or the habitat suggests they might be, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will need to be reassured that a compliant survey of the site to ascertain the presence or absence of dormice has been undertaken.

Removal of a de minimis extent of habitat may be acceptable; however, the extent of negative impact to the dormouse of habitat removal is very much site-specific and contextual, but generally, most LPAs will agree to 10 metres or less of hedgerow removal being acceptable, providing it does not compromise an important route for connectivity.

Beyond the caveat above, hedgerow loss or scrub/woodland loss, including bramble scrub, will require a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) if dormice are present.

To apply to Natural England for an EPSL, it is necessary to have site-specific data, as Natural England will not issue a ‘precautionary EPSL’. In most cases, this can only be obtained by conducting on-site habitat surveys.

Recent changes to guidance have somewhat muddied the previous survey protocols, and rather than the previous standard methodology, each site must now be individually assessed, with a methodology devised to satisfy the LPA and Natural England.

If evidence of dormice presence is recorded, their abundance and location will be documented and used to inform any EPSL that might be required. It is important to recognise that, for Natural England to agree to a licence, sufficient onsite mitigation must be provided. This means planting replacement hedgerows and or scrub. The planting must exceed the extent/area of habitat lost, as the value of dormouse habitat increases with age, and newly planted habitat is highly unlikely to be of equal value to that lost. This can be discussed if the need arises.

EPSL applications, if required, will be subject to further quotations and are not included within the presence/absence survey quotation. We can apply for dormouse mitigation licences on your behalf if required.

Please contact us for a site-specific quotation –

admin@ecological-surveys-ltd.co.uk

Please call us on 0800 888 6846 / 07736 458609

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