SM5: Traps for edible dormouse
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-10)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the traps for edible dormouse item.

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025 guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-tier-capital-grants-2025) to understand the rules and how to apply.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht) to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

Up to 100% of actual costs

How this item benefits the environment

Trapping edible dormouse helps to:
- limit damage to establishing, growing and mature trees
- control and manage an invasive species
Where you can use this item

You can only use this item:
- alongside CSP20: Edible dormouse control and management (https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/csp20-edible-dormouse-control-and-management) and PA7: Species management plan (https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/pa7-species-management-plan)
- with the agreement of the Forestry Commission
Only use spring traps approved for use against edible dormouse (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/edible-dormice-licence-to-trap-them).

What you must do to use this item

You must:
- provide at least 3 written quotations for the costs of equipment and baits with your application (this item does not cover the cost of labour)
- agree which quotation you will use with the Forestry Commission
- install the traps or bait stations on each site following the specification set out in your species management plan
- maintain the traps and bait stations for the duration of your agreement
- use only legally approved traps
- obtain a CL02 Licence to trap Edible dormouse (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/edible-dormice-licence-to-trap-them) – you must not start any works until you have registered for this licence
Evidence you must keep

You must provide photographs of the completed works when they are in place and installed when you make your claim for payment.

You must also keep and provide on request.
- receipted invoices for the materials
- photographic evidence of the traps, bait stations
- copies of any licences, consents or permissions connected with the work
Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreement-holders-guide-capital-grants-higher-tier-capital-grants-and-protection-and-infrastructure-grants-2025) for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht).

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with SM6: Use monitoring equipment to manage invasive species (https://www.gov.uk/capital-grant-finder/sm6-use-monitoring-equipment-to-manage-invasive-species).

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.

You should consider:
- the use, siting and protection of traps to prevent capturing species other than edible dormouse
- the protection of the tree, if a tree is used as an anchor point or supports the traps or bait points
- the health and safety of the people authorised to set or use the traps