Great Crested Newt Survey Work

Our Newt Survey Specialists

The amphibian survey team at Total Ecology hold all of the necessary licences for carrying out great crested newt surveys and for working with great crested newts in the UK. We approach each case on an individual basis and offer a tailored approach to ensure that development needs, as well as the legal requirements of UK planning applications, are met.

An initial great crested newt survey is generally carried out at the scoping or extended phase 1 survey stage. However, it can be carried out as a standalone amphibian survey on identified ponds.

If a potential habitat is identified then further newt survey work will be necessary, which comprise of four visits to define presence or absence, with a further two newt surveys required to enable a population estimate to be made. A population estimate is necessary if a licence is required to enable the development to proceed. If a licence is required then advice can be provided for an appropriate newt method statement and newt mitigation in order for the development to proceed.

All ponds 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 important.

Please contact us for further advice on great crested newt surveys or amphibian surveys.