Dormouse Monitoring

HOUSING PROVIDER  (SOUTH)

Southern Housing secured planning permission for a new residential development in Ninfield, East Sussex. During early surveys, hazel dormice were recorded on the site — a European Protected Species that requires protection under UK law. To proceed, the development was brought forward under a Natural England licence, with obligations for monitoring and habitat management.

The Green Partnership was commissioned to deliver ecological monitoring and provide recommendations to ensure compliance with the licence while creating long-term ecological value.

Our team carried out dormouse surveys, inspecting nest boxes across the development and reviewing the establishment of newly planted hedgerows and scrub designed to form wildlife corridors. We also considered wider habitat management to make sure the mitigation measures remained effective and connected across the site.

This approach provided both a clear record of compliance and practical steps for enhancing the ecological network as the development matured.

Monitoring confirmed the continued presence of dormice, demonstrating that the measures put in place were functioning successfully. Evidence of other small mammals and birds was also recorded, underlining the broader biodiversity benefits of the new habitats.

We advised on targeted improvements, including maintaining planting, ensuring habitat connectivity, and replacing or supplementing monitoring equipment where necessary. These measures will support ongoing compliance and the site’s long-term ecological resilience.

This project highlights how housing delivery can be balanced with the protection of a sensitive, legally protected species. By embedding license requirements into a wider programme of habitat management, Southern Housing is delivering new homes alongside robust biodiversity outcomes.