Great crested newts are legally protected in the UK and it is an offence to kill, capture, or disturb them, or to damage or destroy their breeding ponds or terrestrial habitats (as newts spend a proportion of their life cycle in each).
An initial great crested newt survey is generally carried out at the scoping survey or extended phase 1 survey stage, however it can be carried out as a standalone amphibian survey on identified ponds. If this initial survey identifies potential habitat for great crested newts then further survey work will be necessary.
Due to the level of protection afforded to this species all breeding sites and ponds within 500m of the site boundary should be surveyed and all survey techniques must be carried out by a licensed individual. As newts are largely nocturnal and hibernate, surveys are best carried out at night and during the breeding season (March- June).
The surveys comprise four visits to define presence or absence with a further two surveys being required to enable a population estimate to be made. A population estimate is necessary if great crested newts are discovered as a licence is then required, from Natural England, to enable the development to proceed. If a licence is required then advice then a method statement for the development works and the necessary newt mitigation will be required.
All suitable water-bodies within 500m of the development site should be assessed in order to comply with the regulations and must be assessed during the breeding season which runs from March to June, so forward planning is essential to avoid potential delays to the development program.
Author Resource:-
Ian Craft is the author of this article on Newt surveys.
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