Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) has begun work to create a better habitat for hazel dormice at Ebbsfleet Central, so they will be well established in their improved homes before construction begins on the mixed-use town centre in 2028.
Hazel dormice are small, golden-brown mammals that spend most of their lives in trees and hedgerows. They are a protected species, and this work is part of EDC’s plan to look after them as Ebbsfleet Central is developed, so that people and nature can live side by side in the garden city.
As a result of the habitat-improvement work, which began on 9 November, the dormice will have access to around 2.3 hectares (about the size of three football pitches) of new and improved habitat, including 10 new dormouse boxes. These are wooden nest boxes, similar to bird boxes, fixed to trees to give the dormice safe places to nest and raise their young.
The habitat work has been deliberately planned to take place this winter while dormice are hibernating, so it is ready for them when they wake up in spring. The habitat will be well established before construction at Ebbsfleet Central is due to start in 2028. The planned town centre works will affect some existing dormouse habitat, so EDC is acting early to give the plants time to grow and the dormice time to settle.
That’s why specialist habitat contractors, guided by EDC’s ecological advisers Stantec, are now improving existing scrub and woodland and planting new trees and scrub.
The first phase of habitat work will be completed in December 2026, and maintenance will continue into 2027. We don’t expect any of the work to cause disruption to residents.
Ebbsfleet Central is the new business district and town centre planned around Ebbsfleet International station. We’ll share photos and updates on our social media as the work progresses.