Great Crested Newt Surveys

Unfortunately, the great crested newt is the most threatened species of newt in the UK and has significantly declined over the latter part of the 20^th century. The results of agricultural intensification and loss, degradation and fragmentation of their habitats have severely impacted them, and it is therefore important to carry out thorough newt surveys before developing in their habitat.

The great crested newt is the largest native species of newt in the UK and mainly occurs in lowland regions. This is due to their need for both aquatic and terrestrial habitat in close proximity. They occur more frequently in clusters of small- to medium-sized ponds (50-250m²) and commonly obtain at least one breeding pond.

What Survey’s do Great Crested Newts Need?

If you’re interested in a Great Crested Newt Survey then we’ve created a helpful guide which you can find here, that explains what stages are involved and when you might need them.

However, depending on what surveys you’ll need here is a list of all the Newt surveys Greenlight provide and can help you with.

Great Crested Newt Survey Legislation

Great crested newts are protected under UK and European Union (“EU”) laws, including: Under these legislations great crested newts are protected from: Anyone planning…

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (“PEA”)

What Are Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (“PEA”)? Preliminary Ecological Appraisals are initial assessments that can be conducted at any time of the year. Greenlight will…

Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index

What Is a Habitat Suitability Index (“HSI”)? This Habitat Suitability Index is a method that allows our surveyors to evaluate the general likelihood of…

Newt eDNA Sampling

Newt eDNA sampling offers a non-invasive and efficient alternative to traditional survey methods by analysing genetic material shed by newts into the water. What…

Presence/Absence Newt Surveys

When suitable great crested newt water features are found within or near a site for development, surveys may be conducted to determine the presence…

Newt Population Estimates

If great crested newts are present within a water feature, a minimum of six survey visits should be undertaken in suitable weather conditions between…

Newt Translocation Works

Newt translocation is a legally regulated process used to safely relocate great crested newts from development sites to suitable habitats elsewhere. What Do Translocation…

Newt District Level Licensing (DLL)

District level licensing consists of calculating a mitigation fee based on either survey data or the zone the site falls withing (green, amber, red). …

Newt Mitigation & Enhancements

Our mitigation strategies and enhancement designs are tailored to specifically address issues raised at the site in question and which protected species are identified….

Overseeing Works

Overseeing works consists of a watching brief during construction, plus toolbox talks, to avoid killing or injuring individual newts. The hand search and destructive search are to only be conducted after a capture program and aim to find remaining newts that may be difficult to detect under shelters. To read more about how we can provide construction report click here.

European Protected Species (“EPS”) Mitigation Licences

A mitigation licence will need to be granted by Natural England in order to proceed with any works that are expected to have an impact on great crested newts. The licence should include sufficient information on the presence of the great crested newt population on or near the site (survey results), and appropriate mitigation measures.

Installation & Removal of Mitigation Fencing

Amphibian-proof fencing is used to seal the perimeter of a site for development in order to help capture great crested newts within the site and to avoid re-colonisation. We can both install and remove this mitigation fencing, as necessary.

What We Offer

No matter what kind of development proposal you may have, it is essential to review the potential impact on local biodiversity. Local Planning Authorities (“LPA”) require sufficient information to make informed decisions that wildlife can be protected from injury or disturbance during the development.

Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (“PEA”) will often be required and if great crested newts are present on a site for development, it is likely that a European protected species (“EPS”) license will also be needed. Additional surveys and mitigation methods may be necessary in order to proceed with the works.