Finding a dormouse can be a shock as these mammals are rarely seen, however, because dormice are protected species in the UK, it’s important not to disturb or handle them unnecessarily.
Depending on where you discover a dormouse, the best thing to do will depend on the circumstances. In most cases, you should keep your distance, avoid disturbing them and seek professional advice.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know, including how to identify a dormouse, what to do if you find one, how to report a sighting, and what to do if you encounter one during building or landscaping work.
What Should You Do If You Find a Dormouse?
If you come across a dormouse, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect the animal and its habitat.
Don’t Approach It
If you see a dormouse, your initial instinct may be to get closer, but we suggest keeping your distance as sudden movements or loud movements can scare them off. We suggest watching them from a safe distance and trying not to disturb them or their habitat.
Because they are protected by law, it means that you need a licence to handle or move one and to do so without one is illegal. The best thing to do is to contact a professional who has the appropriate licence to handle dormice.
Take Note of Where You Found It
When keeping a safe distance, look at the surrounding area. Make sure to make a note of the location and, if possible, the date and time of your sighting. It’s also useful to make a note of the type of habitat of where you found the dormouse, such as in woodland etc.
The more details you provide will help ecological professionals understand where dormice are present and whether further investigation may be appropriate.
Report the Sighting
Once you spot a dormouse, don’t forget to report the sighting to relevant governing bodies.
If you believe you have seen a dormouse, particularly in an area where development or land-management work is planned, consider contracting a relevant wildlife organisation or ecological professional for advice.
It’s important to be aware of this as planning permission applications may require a dormouse survey to be conducted if it is a potential habitat so, if one is spotted, it’s vital that this is communicated.
Who to Report a Sighting to:
The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) maintains the National Dormouse Database and welcomes records of one-off dormouse sightings. When submitting a record, you’ll be asked for details such as who you are, where and when you saw the dormouse and, ideally, a photograph to help confirm the identification.
Your Local Wildlife Trust
Your local Wildlife Trust may also be able to provide advice about dormice and other wildlife in your area. Many Wildlife Trusts are involved in local dormouse conservation and habitat-management projects, so they can be a useful source of local information.
Natural England
If you’ve found a dormouse during development, vegetation clearance or other land-management work, seek advice from a suitably qualified ecologist before disturbing the animal or its habitat.
Dormice are protected species and works that could affect them may require a licence from Natural England.
Are Dormice Protected?
Yes, Hazel Dormice are a legally protected species in England, and their breeding sites and resting places are also protected. They are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
It is an offence to deliberately kill, injure, disturb or capture a dormouse, or to damage or destroy its habitat.
What Does A Dormouse Look Like?
Dormice are small, nocturnal mammals that can be difficult to spot, and they can sometimes be mistaken for other species of mouse. In the UK, the species most commonly associated with dormouse sightings is the hazel dormouse, which has a distinctive appearance.
Look for its golden-brown fur, large black eyes and small rounded ears. Their tails are also a distinctive part by being long and covered in thick, furry hair. Adult dormice are usually around 6-9cm long, excluding the tail.
They are found in woodland, hedgerows and scrubs, where they build nests and feed on flowers, fruit, insects and nuts. They are strictly active at night, then sleep in the day.
If you’re unsure whether the animal you’ve spotted is a dormouse, avoid trying to catch or handle it to identify it. Instead, take a photograph from a safe distance.
What if The Dormouse is injured?
If you find a dormouse that appears injured, make sure to contract a local wildlife rescues organisation or vet immediately, especially if it has been attacked by a another animal, as they will be able to give advice on what to do next.
What Should I Do If I Find a Dormouse During Building or Landscaping Work?
If you find a dormouse during building or landscaping work, you must stop work immediately to avoid breaking the law.
You do not want to carry on activity that could disturb the animal or its habitat and seek advice from a suitably qualified ecologist.
If you’re unsure whether your project could affect dormice, getting ecological advice early can help you understand what surveys or measures may be needed before work begins.
Why Habitats Are Important Too
The law doesn’t just protect dormice, but also their habitats, making it illegal to destroy or damage them. This means that activities, such as developments, need to be carefully considered to avoid disturbing dormice or damaging the places they rely on.
If you think dormice may be present on your property or on land you’re looking to develop, get in touch with us today. Our team can provide you advice on the ecological considerations and help you whether further surveys or mitigation may be required.
