Course convenor(s):
David Wells (BSc, CEnv, MIEEM) and
Warren Cresswell (BSc, PhD, CEnv, MIEEM, MIoD)


Date: 15/09/2009

Course length: 1 day

Venue:
Cresswell Associates, The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud,
GL5 2QG

Course fee: £150
5% or 10% discount available if 2+ / 4+ courses are booked respectively

Outline:
This course provides an introduction to dormice biology and ecology with particular reference to development projects, covering appropriate survey methodologies and habitat assessment. A field trip will demonstrate survey techniques and habitat assessment.

Further information:
Cresswell Associates
The Mill, Brimscombe Port
Stroud, GL5 2QG

T: +44 (0) 1453 731 231
F: +44 (0) 1453 888 797

 

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Target audience:
This course is aimed at those who wish to learn about the biology and ecology of dormice and dormouse survey techniques, with particular reference to development projects.

Aims:

To provide:

• background information on dormice biology (including hibernation), distribution, and habitat requirements, so as to understand how, when and why dormice surveys should be carried out
• information on current threats to dormice populations
• information on dormice survey techniques (‘nut searches’, nest tubes and boxes)
• information on habitat assessment including optimal/sub-optimal habitat and dispersal corridors

To demonstrate:

• dormice survey techniques and habitat assessment in the field

Objectives:

At the end of the course you should be able to: 

• describe the ecology and life history of dormice, and how these influence when, where and how surveys for these species should be carried out

• identify dormice field signs and distinguish between dormouse and other rodent field signs
• carry out habitat assessments for dormice
• carry out a dormouse ‘nut search’
• put up dormice tubes and nest boxes

Course content:

Lectures

• Background biology and ecology, population status and distribution of dormice
• Current threats to dormice
• Habitat assessment for dormice
• Survey methods and field signs for dormice
• Interpreting survey results

Fieldwork

• Visit to nearby site to identify field signs, practice survey techniques and carry out habitat assessment for dormice

Additional information/requirements:

An additional course on dormice is available for those with existing experience of dormice biology and survey techniques:

Dormice (II): Legislation, Impact Assessment, and Mitigation.