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Great crested newts are the largest of the newts found in the UK and one of six naturally occurring or native amphibian species. They are a species which is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Which means great crested newt surveys, technical reports and mitigation plans are required for development projects that could affect newts and their habitats, as part of getting planning permission or a mitigation licence.
Ellendale Environmental ecologists have extensive experience of undertaking GCN surveys throughout the UK. Our survey are tailored to the clients project and we are experienced in delivering practical mitigation options based on the population of newts as well as licensing and habitat management plans.
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Types of Great Crested Newt Survey
Survey methodology for great crested newt is most frequently based on confirming newt presence / likely absence and population size in water bodies during the amphibian breeding period. The survey methodology follows the standard guidelines described in English Nature’s Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines (2001).
Presence / Absence and Population Surveys
Most GCN surveys are undertaken when animals are known to use waterbodies for breeding. To prove presence or absence of GCN in a waterbody the best practice guidelines require that four surveys should be undertaken between mid-March and mid-June with 2 survey undertaken between mid-April and mid-May. The recognised survey window is from mid-March to mid-June, and should involve well-spaced repeat survey visits of all suitable and accessible water bodies within the development site and off site up to 500 m away.
Survey methodology must use three different survey techniques including bottle or funnel trapping, egg searches, netting and torching (using high power torches).
Where GCN are found to be present a further 2 surveys are required to assess population size.
Habitat suitability (HSI)
A HSI is a means of evaluating habitat for quality and quantity. The HSI for great crested newts is a measure of habitat suitability. It is not a substitute for newt surveys. In general, ponds with high HSI scores are more likely to support great crested newts than those with low scores. However, the system is not sufficiently precise to allow the conclusion that any particular pond with a high score will support newts, or that any pond with a low score will not do so.
Specialist surveys
Specialist surveys including eDNA and pitfall traps can be devised for a wide range of purposes. Out experienced ecologists are always happy to discuss your requirements further.
When are great crested newts surveys required?
Great crested newt surveys, technical reports and mitigation plans are required for development projects that could affect newts and their habitats, as part of getting planning permission or a mitigation licence.
A survey will be required where;
Habitat surveys identify potentially suitable features for newts including ponds
distribution and historical records suggest newts may be present
there’s a pond within 500 meters of the development, even if it only holds water some of the year
the development site includes refuges (e.g. log piles or rubble), grassland, scrub, woodland or hedgerows
Why Choose Ellendale Environmental?
Your development will be in safe hands with our experts at Ellendale Environmental who will work alongside you to ensure that your development is compliant with the law which will minimise disruption to your project. We are able to ensure this through extensive searches of the surrounding area being conducted for the presence of great crested news. If the species are present we work collectively to ensure the development process is not hindered whilst protecting the great crested newts through implementing appropriate mitigation.
Ellendale Environmental ecologists have extensive experience of undertaking GCN surveys throughout the UK. Our survey are tailored to the clients project and we are experienced in delivering practical mitigation options based on the population of newts as well as licensing and habitat management plans.
Great Crested Newt - Find Out More
Great crested newts are found throughout mainland Britain although they are much less likely to be found in the far south-west of England, northern Scotland and west Wales.
Great crested newts are fully protected under the law due to a dramatic decline in the latter half of the 20th Century, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Common and palmate newts, which do not receive the same level of legal protection in the UK, are sometimes encountered more often than great crested newts.
Great crested newts are listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. In England and Wales the great crested newt is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In Scotland, great crested newts are protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended).
It is an offence, with certain exceptions, to:
Intentionally or deliberately capture, kill, or injure GCN;
Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy, and disturb GCN in a place used for shelter or protection, or obstruct access to such areas;
Damage or destroy a GCN breeding site or resting place;
Possess a GCN, or any part of it, unless acquired lawfully; and
Sell, barter, exchange, transport, or offer for sale GCN or parts of them.
The legislation covers all newt life stages such that eggs, tadpoles and adult newts are all equally protected. Actions that are prohibited can be made lawful by a licence issued by the appropriate Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation. The GCN is a Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and has been adopted as a Species of Principal Importance in England under section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 (section 42 in Wales) and in Scotland under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.