Dormice

The common dormouse, also known as the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius is a European Protected Species found primarily within hazel coppice, ancient woodlands, and occasionally in hedgerows.

Two survey types are conducted to assess dormouse presence: 1) a hazelnut search, often conducted between August and December where hazelnut shells are inspected for typical gnawing marks which distinguish those hazelnuts which have been eaten by dormice as opposed to other rodent species; 2) the use of nest boxes or tubes erected in the survey areas to search for the dormice themselves, generally conducted between April and November so as not to interfere with the long hibernation period of these animals.

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