Suitable dormouse habitats include hedgerows and woodlands which are connected and provide a food source and shelter for the species. Surveys of hedgerows and woodland involve a licensed surveyor undertaking present/likely absence surveys by placing nest tubes or nest boxes within these features and if present, dormice will use these to make a nest. Nest tube/nest box surveys can be undertaken between April and November and work on a point scoring system to ensure a valid survey with optimal months having a higher score. The dormouse also have a distinguishable gnawing pattern on hazel nuts, so if hazel nuts are present, a search can be undertaken to determine if dormouse are present. The gnawed hazelnut search survey can take place November-March inclusive. Dormouse are a European Protected Species and as such, if present a mitigation strategy and licence from Natural England may be required to allow the works to proceed legally.