Great Crested Newt Surveys

Background
Great Crested Newts are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) and the Habitats Regulations (2017). This means it’s illegal to kill or harm them or their habitats. Great crested newt surveys can be necessary if you’re looking to develop a piece of land that could affect a freshwater pond or surrounding habitat.

Survey Methods
The general survey season for breeding ponds is mid-March to June. It is at this stage that any ponds are identified as having potential to support newts. Various methods of survey are conducted at this point to establish the presence of newts and the likely population size.

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
A great crested newt survey will normally comprise of two parts. The initial assessment includes a standard assessment of the given area, including an assessment referred to as a Habitat Suitability Index. (HSI) In general, ponds with high HSI scores are more likely to support great crested newts than those with low scores. Although the system is not sufficiently precise to conclude that a pond with a high score will support newts, or that any pond with a low score will not, there is a positive correlation between HSI scores and the numbers of great crested newts observed.

If any ponds are identified as having potential to support newts, further surveys are required to establish the presence of newts and the likely population size.

Environmental DNA Survey
This survey technique can be carried out between 15 April and 30 June. If great crested newts are detected, follow up survey work is often likely to be required, meaning the eDNA survey timing needs to be carefully planned to avoid the risk of needing to carry out further survey the following year.

Presence / Absence and Population Size Class Assessment
This survey requires that three survey methods (preferably torch survey, bottle trapping and egg search) are completed for each visit. There should be four visits in suitable weather conditions, between mid-March and mid-June, with at least two of these visits during mid-April to mid-May.

If Great Crested Newts are found on your land, then you’ll need to apply for a licence from Natural England. We’ll then be able to advise you on the mitigation and compensation options that might be required.

Report
Following the survey we will provide a detailed report showing our findings and any required mitigation. If required we can develop a suitable mitigation plan for you.