Great Crested Newts
High Quality Ecological Services at Affordable Prices
Great Crested Newt eDNA Survey
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Surveys are surveys conducted by ecologists with at least a Class I Great Crested Newt Survey Licence, to determine if there are any great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) present in a pond on site, which could potentially be impacted on by the development works. This involves taking water samples from a pond and sending them to a lab for analysis to determine if great crested newt DNA is present.
eDNA surveys are usually carried out following a PEA, where an ecologist has assessed a pond as having potential to support great crested newts, either on site, or within 500 m of the site.
eDNA Surveys are conducted between 15th April and 30th June. If the results of the eDNA analysis are positive for great crested newt DNA, these surveys must be followed up with Population Surveys. If the results are negative, further survey is not required.
If you need a quote for great crested newt surveys, get in touch and we will answer your quote request within 24 hours.
The report we provide is written in accordance with the current standards and guidelines, making them suitable for accompanying planning applications.
You can expect your bespoke eDNA Survey report to be delivered to you within 1-2 working days, upon receiving the lab results.
Great Crested Newt Population Survey
Population Surveys are surveys conducted by ecologists with at least a Class I Great Crested Newt Survey Licence, to determine the numbers of great crested newts in a pond, which could potentially be impacted on by the development works. Techniques to determine great crested newt numbers include bottle trapping, torch survey, egg search and netting.
Population Surveys are conducted between mid-March and mid-June, with at least three of the six surveys being conducted between mid-April to mid-May.
Population Surveys are required to inform a planning application. Once planning consent is obtained, an EPSL may be required to relocate great crested newts from a development site.
The report we provide is written in accordance with the current standards and guidelines, making them suitable for accompanying planning and licence applications.
You can expect your bespoke Population Surveys report to be delivered to you within 3-5 working days, following the completion of the final visit.
Great Crested Newt EPSL
A European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) is a licence provided by Natural England to lawfully disturb great crested newts and their habitats. Alternatively, it may be possible to carry out the works under a District Licensing Scheme for Great Crested Newts, where it’s available.
If you would like more information about great crested newt EPSLs, or whether a Great Crested Newt District Licensing Scheme is available to you, get in touch.