Great Crested Newt Surveys

Why are great crested newt surveys required?

Great crested newts (GCN) are a highly protected species under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. GCN surveys are required for planning permission in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK to assess Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential impacts of proposed developments on great crested newt populations, to inform habitat management plans, assess Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ impact of development projects and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place to protect Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ newts and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir habitats.

What happens during a GCN survey?

There are 3 native newt species found in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK. The Great Crested Newt (GCN) is Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ largest and least common and although widespread throughout Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir numbers are very low in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rest of Europe. As a result, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are classed as a European Protected Species, receiving a high level of protection.

We are licensed to conduct both Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments and presence/absence surveys. HSI assessments use a points system to rate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential for GCN to be breeding within a pond, ditch or lake, but can only be used as a rough indicator and only precludes a presence/absence survey if a pond receives an exceptionally low score.

A presence/absence survey can only be conducted by a Natural England licensed surveyor and must be carried out between mid-March and mid-June during suitable weaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r conditions. The techniques used include bottle trapping, egg searching, torch surveying and netting methods.

Services are also provided for translocating newts, erecting newt proof fencing and submitting protected species licenses.

When can great crested newt surveys take place?

Great crested newt presence / absence surveys take place between mid-March and mid-June, during Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ active breeding season.

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