Other Protected Species Surveys

Dormice

Should habitat suitable for dormice, such as species rich hedgerows or ancient woodland, be present on a site, it may be necessary to undertake dormouse surveys to determine whether dormice are present.

The surveys can take the form of a systematic search for characteristically chewed hazel nuts in autumn or a dormouse tube/box survey between late April and late October (when dormice are not hibernating).

The tubes /boxes are installed in trees and shrubs and checked for dormice and/or their nests on a monthly basis.

Dormice are protected from deliberate killing, injury or distrubance and their nests are protected from damage or destruction under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) .

Water Voles

If a site contains streams/rivers and associated habitats that are suitable for water voles, it may be necessary to carry out a water vole survey to determine their presence or absence. These are undertaken between April to September and involve surveying the river/stream-banks for signs of water voles in the form of burrows, latrines, runs, footprints and distinctive “feeding lawns”.

Water voles are fully protected from intentional killing, injury or capture and their places of shelter are protected from intentional or reckless damage, obstruction or destruction under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

Otters

If a site contains streams/rivers and associated habitats that are suitable for use by otters, it may be necessary to undertake an otter survey to ascertain whether they are present. A dedicated survey involves searching for evidence of otter activity in the form of holts, tracks, footprints, feeding remains, and latrines.

Otters are protected from deliberate killing, injury or distrubance and their holts are protected from damage or destruction under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

Invertebrate Surveys (incl. white-clawed crayfish)

Where a site contians suitable rivers/streams and associated habitat for white-clawed crayfish, then in may be necessary to undertake dedicated surveys for this species. Likewise where habitats capable of supporting a high diversity of terrestrial invertebrates and/or notable species are identified, it may be necessary to undertake dedicated invertebrate surveys.

White-clawed crayfish are protected from deliberate killing, injury or disturance  and their places of shelter are protected from intentional or reckless damage, obstruction or destruction under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Photo Credits: James Joyce