Reptile and Amphibian Surveys

 

Reptile Surveys

The four widespread species of British reptile – grass snake, slow-worm, adder and common lizard are given so called ‘partial protection’ under UK law, and it is an offence to deliberately kill or injure individual animals. The habitats of common reptiles are not specifically protected, though developers are often obliged to replace any reptile habitat lost as a result of development.

Reptile surveys combine two techniques: a visual search and the use of artificial refugia. Surveys are seasonally constrained to between April and September, when animals are active.

Reptile mitigation is also seasonally constrained to the period from April to September, and generally involves the erection of reptile-proof fencing and the use of artificial refugia.

However Protected Species Licences are required if development proposals will affect the two scarce species – smooth snake and sand lizard.

Amphibian Surveys

Great crested newts and natterjack toads are the only UK amphibians fully protected under the UK and European law. Great crested newtsare frequently encountered on development sites.

Surveys for great crested newt are seasonally constrained to the period mid-March to mid-June when great crested newts are present in their breeding ponds. It is generally assumed that the species might be present in terrestrial habitats up to 500m from a breeding pond, depending on habitat quality, connectivity and population size.

If great crested newts will be affected by a proposed development, a European Protected Species licence will be needed prior to the commencement of works. The loss of breeding ponds or terrestrial habitats will require mitigation which can involve installing exclusion-fencing over part or all of the development site, the trapping and transfer of animals to a pre-prepared receptor area, the creation of new ponds and the management of terrestrial habitats specifically for great crested newts.

 

Reptile legislation and protection

All native British reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is illegal to intentionally kill or injure any native British reptile species.

The sand lizard and smooth snake are European Protected Species and receive further protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

All British reptiles are UK Biodiversity Action Plan  (UKBAP) priority species.

Amphibian legislation and protection

The Great Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad are fully protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 as European Protected Species.

It is illegal to:

  • Deliberately capture, injure, kill or disturb either species,

  • Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure/place used for shelter or protection, or

  • Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place.

If convicted of an offence the penalties can be severe, including a fine of up to £5000 (per animal) and/or six months in prison.

Other amphibians

All British amphibians receive limited protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it illegal to sell or trade them.

The great crested newt, natterjack toad, and common toad are UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) priority species.