Dormouse nest tubes provide a cheap and efficient method of determining the presence of dormice within a habitat as they can be deployed in large numbers for a relative low cost.
The nest tube essentially consists of two parts - the wooden 'tray' and the nesting tube. Dormice form nests in these tubes and it is these nests that are used as indicators of their presence in the habitat.
Cable ties or velcro straps NOT included and must be purchased separately.
Note: Dormice are legally protected and must not be handled unless you have a licence to do so. Nest tubes can be set up and monitored without a licence until a dormouse is found. After that only a licensed handler can check them.
Size:
Tube 65x65x250mm
Insert 300x50mm
Weight: 120g
These tubes are supplied as 2 component parts, a wooden tray (insert) and a plastic outer tube. The insert is constructed from FSC timber and has a large block at the rear which fits snuggly into the tube to block one end (handy for marking/numbering) and a thin wooden base which protrudes beyond the open end. Positioned across the width of the base there are 2 wooden blocks (steps), one in the middle, allowing the dormouse to form the nest in the rear end of the tube, and one at the open end which gives the Dormouse something to catch hold of and also stops the base curling up due to weathering. The outer is made of Fluted Polypropylene (plastic).
Dormice usually inhabit deciduous woodland or overgrown hedgerows and ideally, nest tubes should be in place by the beginning of April in time to attract dormice when they emerge from hibernation in late April and early May.
They may also be occupied throughout the summer. To increase the likelihood of finding dormice it is best to increases with the number of tubes used but a minimum of 20 tubes in one location is recommended, depending on the size of the habitat being surveyed.
Tubes should be attached to the underneath of horizontal branches using cable ties or wire to secure, positioned above ground level, approximately 20m apart at a variety of heights.
The entrance should be facing the centre of the hedge. Tubes should be checked for nests on a fortnightly basis and once dormice are detected, the tubes can be taken down and replaced with wooden nest boxes or simply left in place to if further survey work is needed.
You can download the Dormouse conservation handbook from Natural England here
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Delivery costs
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