Effective habitat management is key to the conservation of protected species and one of the most crucial factors in this process is timing. For species like the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius, small mistakes in the timing of management activities can have a profound impact on their survival. At nichecology, we work with landowners and conservationists to ensure that habitat management is carried out with consideration to the needs of vulnerable species. Today, we’ll take a closer look at how the timing of a single management activity - hedgerow flailing - can drastically affect the availability of essential food sources for the hazel dormouse at a critical time of year.
Why Timing is Everything for the Hazel Dormouse
The hazel dormouse, a small nocturnal mammal, relies on hedgerows, woodlands and scrubland to provide shelter and food throughout the year. These creatures are highly dependent on seasonal food sources, particularly in late summer and autumn, when they are busy fattening up in preparation for hibernation. At this time of year, dormice feed on a variety of fruits, nuts and berries, such as hazelnuts and blackberries, to accumulate fat stores that will sustain them throughout the long winter months.
The timing of any management activities on these hedgerows can have serious implications for the ability of the hazel dormouse to access these vital food sources. A well-timed management intervention can encourage plant regrowth and maintain a rich food supply. However, if those interventions are poorly timed - particularly during the late summer or autumn months - they can remove or damage the very resources that dormice rely on at this crucial time.
A Case Study: The Impact of Flailing on Food Availability
To highlight how timing can make all the difference, let's look at a real-life example: a hedgerow on a site that was not managed with the needs of the hazel dormouse in mind.
In the first image on the left below, we see the hedgerow before flailing, full of abundant fruit and berries - exactly the food sources that dormice rely on in September to fatten up for hibernation. The hedgerow is thriving, providing a rich harvest of food that will support not only dormice but many other species as well.
However, in the second image on the right, taken on the same day just moments after the flailing has taken place, the situation has dramatically changed. The hedgerow was stripped back in mid-September, with all the fruit and berries removed. This critical food source, available just before the dormice enter their hibernation period, has been taken away in a matter of seconds - leaving dormice with no way to build up the fat reserves they need to survive the winter.
The Consequences of Poor Timing
Flailing, when done at the wrong time, can devastate the available food supply in a hedgerow. As shown in the second image above, stripping the vegetation of fruits and nuts at the end of summer, when dormice are in urgent need of them, can have immediate and lasting consequences for the local populations. Without these resources, dormice may struggle to gain enough weight to survive hibernation, putting their survival at risk. This is especially critical when food availability is already limited, as it can result in high mortality rates among the population.
In addition to removing food, flailing can also damage nesting sites and disrupt the habitat. Dormice depend on the structure of hedgerows and scrub to find shelter and places to nest. A poorly timed intervention can disturb these structures, causing further harm.
The Importance of Thoughtful Habitat Management
At nichecology, we understand the importance of habitat management and we advise landowners and conservationists to carefully consider the timing of any management activities, particularly when dealing with protected species like the hazel dormouse. Our approach is based on a deep understanding of the needs of different species and the seasonal cycles of the local environment. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored management plans that ensure critical food sources and habitats remain intact at the right times of the year.
In the case of hedgerow management, it’s essential to avoid flailing during the late summer and autumn months when dormice are actively foraging. Please remember that you need to apply for a mitigation licence if your work will have an impact on hazel dormice that would otherwise be illegal, such as:
capturing, killing, disturbing or injuring them (on purpose or by not taking enough care);
damaging or destroying their breeding or resting places (even accidentally); or
obstructing access to their resting or sheltering places (on purpose or by not taking enough care).
Conclusion
This example underscores the importance of timing in habitat management. The difference between a thriving, food-rich hedgerow and a barren, stripped-back one can be a matter of just a few hours and for a species like the hazel dormouse, these small differences can have significant consequences. By carefully timing management activities, we can ensure that dormice - and many other species - have access to the food and shelter they need to thrive.
If you are involved in managing habitats and want expert advice on how to plan interventions that respect the life cycles of protected and vulnerable species, get in touch with nichecology. We can help you create a tailored management plan that supports both the natural environment and the species that depend on it and your management needs.
Comments