Great crested newts (GCN) are amphibians that breed in ponds in the spring and spend most of the year in terrestrial habitats in woodlands, hedgerows, marshes, and tussocky grasslands. GCNs and their habitats receive European protection under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), and further legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Regulation 41 of the Habitats Regulations 2010. GCNs are also listed as a species of principle importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and are considered a material consideration within the planning process in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework 2023. Combined, this legislation makes it illegal to deliberately disturb, kill, injure, or capture GCNs, as well as damage, destroy or obstruct any GCN habitats.
A GCN eDNA survey is an assessment to determine whether GCNs are present within ponds on site or in ponds within 500 m of the site. This survey is usually recommended following a Preliminary Ecological Assessment (PEA), if development works are likely to disturb or remove a pond that was assessed as suitable for supporting GCNs.
eDNA surveys are needed to inform requirements for further ecological surveys for GCNs, as part of the planning process. The aim of an eDNA survey is to determine the presence/likley-absence of GCNs within a pond, so that the potential impacts of the proposed development on GCNs can be assessed. Recommendations for avoidance, mitigation, enhancement, compensation, and further survey, are made where applicable. This is achieved through a three-part process: a desk study, a field survey, and evaluation/impact assessment.
A desk study involves obtaining details of the landscape surrounding the site and/or pond, so that the ecologist can assess both the likelihood of GCNs being present on site and the potential impacts of the development on ecologically important sites and habitats in the surrounding area. This study includes identifying suitable GCN habitats within one kilometre of the site and granted European Protected Species Licences (EPSLs) for GCNs within two kilometres of the site.
A field survey involves an ecologist, ideally with at least a Class 1 GCN Survey Licence, visiting the pond to collect samples of the water using an eDNA kit from a laboratory approved by Natural England. One kit must be used per pond. Twenty samples of water collected evenly from around the pond edge are collected. The combined samples are then sent back to the laboratory as soon as possible, and results are can often take approximately two weeks to be received. The collection of water samples and laboratory analysis are carried out in accordance with Freshwater Habitats eDNA Protocol (Briggs et al., 2014). After all water samples are collected, a search for GCN eggs is undertaken. This includes the inspection of folded over marginal vegetation, which is indicative of breeding GCNs. On identifying one egg, searching ceases, in accordance with best practice guidelines (Natural England, 2001). An eDNA field survey can only be undertaken between 15th April and 30th June, in accordance with approved practice (Natural England). Permission from the landowner and a full risk assessment are required prior to the field survey.
With the information from the desk study and the field survey, the ecologist can then carry out the evaluation assessment of the pond. Recommendations for avoidance, mitigation and enhancement measures will be made on the basis of the information gathered. The assessment made is presented in a report and includes an evaluation of the potential impacts of the development on GCNs and whether any further surveys are required. The reports we write are in accordance with the up-to-date CIEEM guidelines for ecological report writing. If further surveys are required, then the results of these surveys and final assessments are necessary to inform a planning application within a year of the report being issued. An updated survey may be required if the report is not submitted in time. It is also worth noting that further surveys for GCNs must comprise over six visits.
More information about these further surveys is available on our website here. Alternatively, you can contact us here.
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