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SM5

Traps for edible dormouse

info Summary

SM5 is a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Capital Grant for traps to control edible dormouse, an invasive species that damages trees. It requires providing quotations, agreement with the Forestry Commission, proper installation and maintenance of traps, use of legally approved traps, and obtaining a CL02 Licence.

format_list_bulleted What to do

  • Provide at least 3 written quotations for equipment and baits with your application.
  • Agree the chosen quotation with the Forestry Commission.
  • Install and maintain traps or bait stations on each site according to your species management plan and for the agreement duration.
  • Use only legally approved traps.
  • Obtain a CL02 Licence to trap Edible dormouse before starting any works.

checklist How to do and evidence required

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 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.

tips_and_updates Additional Advice

  • Consider the use, siting, and protection of traps to avoid capturing non-target species.
  • Ensure protection of trees if used as anchor points for traps or bait stations.
  • Prioritize the health and safety of those setting or using traps.

View Official Guidelines

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info Additional Information

SM5: Traps for edible dormouse

This item is part of Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Higher Tier Capital Grants 2025 guidance 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 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:

Only use spring traps approved for use against edible dormouse.

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 – 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 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.

Other items you can use with this item

You can use this item with 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

*[CSHT]: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier

Questions about SM5?

Ask Tom anything about this subsidy, eligibility, evidence requirements, or compatibility with other actions.