Having A Great Crested Newt Survey

There are many animals in the UK that are considered protected species including the great crested newt. Survey results provided by licensed and trained ecological survey professionals can help to identify the existence of the newts and they can also identify how they will be affected by development as well as possible ways to mitigate the damage to their natural habitat. Because they are a protected species, it means that harming or even moving the newt yourself could be illegal.

A great crested newt survey will usually consist of a number of visitors and these will need to be completed between mid March and mid June. Typically, at least two visits will be necessary and more may be required if newts are discovered and under certain other circumstances. The survey may consist of a number of techniques that not only look for the physical and current existence of newts but evidence that a site is used.

Bottle trapping and torching are common techniques that are used in great crested newt surveys. These are physical methods of finding the newts while they are in the pond itself, and the survey needs to be conducted during times when they are likely to be in the pond. The newt is amphibious and while they spend a lot of time out of the water, they do return during the breeding period.

It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that great crested newts are not put in additional danger. This means that most authorities will demand that a great crested newt survey accompany any planning application and it also means that without such a survey it may prove impossible to have your application passed. Leaving it until your application is declined may mean that you have to wait another 9 months before the survey can be conducted, costing you both time and money for your development.

A great crested newt survey is likely to be a legal requirement if you are seeking planning permission. You should use a licensed and skilled survey company that can provide you with extensive, accurate, and reliable survey results to help ensure a smooth planning application process.

For more information on the great crested newt survey process contact GreatCrestedNewts.com. Contact us today for a competitive price on professional, extensive habitat surveys to meet your planning requirements.