Newt Surveys
Where ponds or other waterbodies suitable for use by great crested newts have been identified on a development site, it will be necessary to undertake dedicated surveys for this species. These are undertaken between late March to early June and involve a combination of techniques including torchlight surveys at night, bottle trapping, netting and egg counts to determine whether great crested newts are present.
Should a site be found to contain a breeding pond or should a population of great crested newts be found to be using terrestrial habitat, then once planning permission is granted and prior to any work commencing, a European Protected Species Licence may have to be sought for a development affecting a European protected species.
Great crested newts are protected from deliberate killing, injury and distrubance and their place of shelter is protected from damage or destruction under Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
Photo Credits: Kevin-Caster