This involves placing out nest boxes or tubes, so that dormice can be found. The ‘tubes’ are placed in suitable habitat and across the site and are then checked at regular intervals, usually once a month from May to November in suitable weather conditions to establish presence.

If found to be present mitigation and enhancement is designed, followed by trapping and/or working around the dormice.

This survey is optimal between April and November.

A licence is required when an offence under the habitats directive (2010 as amended) and wildlife and countryside act 1981 (as amended) cannot be avoided e.g. damaging a nesting area.

Please note: Natural England (NE) will be charging for licence applications from April 2019.

The cost of licences will vary depending on Natural Englands work load and can range from £500 to £3000.