Ecology, Surveying and Conservation of Dormice

The Hazel or Common Dormouse has undergone a significant decline during the last century and are now described as vulnerable to extinction in Britain’s Red List.  Their conservation depends on accurate data from surveys and sympathetic habitat management. They are fully protected under UK and European Law.

Despite a range of available techniques, Hazel Dormice are highly elusive and can be difficult to detect.  How and where to survey for Dormice and the methods used are critical factors when attempting to find them.

You will be introduced to the complex ecology of Dormice and will explore ways to conserve them. The course will also provide an opportunity to experience Dormouse surveying in the field and how to maximise opportunities for detecting them.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Have an understanding of Dormouse ecology
• Be able to identify a range of Dormouse field signs
• Understand how and where to place survey equipment in the field to optimise the chances of detecting Dormice using various techniques
• Gain an understanding of habitat management in the presence of Dormice
• Understand the legislation protecting Dormice

Who should attend? – This course is suitable for anyone who has a strong interest in this species, but the course is particularly relevant for professional ecologists and land managers.

Knowledge level –  Beginner-Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

Accommodation and Meals

For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:

• Non-Resident
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)

If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this only includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee). Please bring your own packed lunch.

If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for two nights (starting the night before the course) and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the night before the course through to a packed lunch on the last day of the course). You can check in from 4pm on the day before the start of the course.

If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to enquire.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.

PLEASE NOTE: If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

This course is delivered by more than one expert tutor. Your tutor will depend on the location of the course you book.

Dr Simone Bullion

Dr Simone Bullion has been surveying and studying Hazel Dormice for more than 20 years and is the co-author of the soon to be published 3rd Edition of the Dormouse Conservation Handbook. She has been running training courses and coordinating mammal surveys for over 30 years. She holds a Natural England dormouse licence which enables her to check nest boxes and nest tubes specially designed for dormice.

Alison Looser

Alison Looser is an experienced Ecologist, who also works for Suffolk Wildlife Trust. She has been undertaking dormouse surveys for the last eight years and is an experienced licensed dormouse surveyor and handler.

Example Timetable

Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00am.
There will be a lunch break during the day. Lunch is not included if you have not chosen an accommodation option, so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.
The course will finish at 17:00pm.

Please note that the below timetable may be subject to change and may vary across different courses, but should give you an idea of what to expect.

Day 1

• Brief introduction and then a visit to local monitoring site to check dormouse boxes
• Legislation protecting dormice
• Dormouse ecology and why they are rare
• Habitat creation and management to benefit dormice
  

Day 2

• How to survey for dormice and techniques for maximising the likelihood for success
• Practical excursion to check nest tubes and footprint tunnels
• Final round up and Q and A session

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea and coffee)

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments (lunch may be taken out in the field)
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors - please note for the course at Killerton House, you will need to walk up to a couple of miles of uneven ground.
• Small bag to carry personal items
• Hand lens

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.