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 Population Assessment is the assessment of GCN population size and activity within a pond. This usually follows an eDNA assessment that has already confirmed the presence of GCN in the pond in question, and where additional information is required. More information on GCN eDNA Surveys can be found on our blog here (LINK). This applies to ponds on site and within 500 metres of site, where permission to access the land has been granted by the landowner. Population Assessments are needed to inform avoidance, mitigation, compensation, and enhancement requirements for GCNs, as part of the planning process, where development will potentially impact upon GCNs and their habitats. The aim of a Population Assessment is to gather as much information about the number of GCNs using the pond and surrounding terrestrial habitats, and how they are using the pond, so that the potential impacts of the proposed development on GCNs can be assessed. This is achieved through a three-part process: a desk study, field surveys, and an 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 with at least a Class 1 GCN Survey Licence undertaking at least three of the following survey methods, in accordance with best practice guidelines (Natural England, 2001):
Torchlight Survey
The torchlight survey involves using a high-power torch to illuminate a pond, during night-time hours, usually just after dusk. One circuit of the pond circumference is taken at a slow walking pace with slow movements of the torch, to allow the surveyor to record any GCNs seen. Where possible, gender and life-stage of GCNs are recorded, as well as any other species of newt identified.
Bottle-trapping
Bottle-trapping involves deploying bottle traps at a density of approximately one trap per two metres of shoreline. This is done at dusk, when the night-air temperature is predicted to be higher than five degrees celcius, with little to no wind and rain. The traps allow for GCNs and other newts to enter the bottle and be safety trapped there until released. The ecologist returns to the pond the next day in the early morning, never longer than 12 hours post deployment in March/April, nor longer than 10 hours in May and eight hours in June. Any newts found in the traps are recorded (including species, gender and life-stage, where possible), and released as soon as possible.
Egg Search
The egg search involves a systematic search of the emergent and aquatic vegetation within a pond. The ecologist is looking for evidence of GCN eggs, which are usually protected by a characteristic fold in vegetative matter. Any aquatic vegetation that has eggs clearly behind folded leaves are not unfurled, in order to avoid damage to the egg. The ecologist records the number of eggs found.
Netting
Netting involves the ecologist using a sturdy dip-net to slowly and methodically search the pond for GCNs. Although this is still an accepted survey technique, it is less reliable in revealing the presence of newts than the other methods. Therefore, we employ torch lighting, bottle-trapping, and egg searching, in preference to netting, where possible.
For a Population Assessment, at least six field surveys (inclusive of three survey methods each), must be undertaken. The visits must take place during mid-March to mid-June, with at least three of the visits being carried out during mid-April to mid-May, in accordance with best practice guidelines (English Nature, 2001). Permission from the landowner and a full risk assessment are required prior to the field surveys.
With the information from the desk study and the field surveys, the ecologist can then carry out the evaluation assessment of the pond for its population of GCNs, whether the proposed development will have an impact on them and, if so, the level and nature of those impacts. The ecologist calculates the GCN peak count for any given visit, by any one method. This, in turn, enables them to determine the population size of GCNs using the pond, which is categorised into three classes; small (peak count of 0-10 GCN), medium (peak count of 11-100 GCN), and large (peak count of over 100 GCN). Please note that even if the peak count of GCNs is zero, this is not evidence of absence, as the eDNA assessment done prior to the Population Assessment is sufficient proof of the presence of GCN. The rationale for the population size class assessment is based on guidance provided by Natural England, 2022. Where applicable, the ecologist will also assess how GCNs are using the pond, for example, for breeding. The assessment made is presented in a report and includes an evaluation of the potential impacts of development and whether a licence will be required for works to proceed lawfully. It is worth noting that if GCNs will be affected by the development, a licence will be required for development proposals to legally take place. The reports we write are in accordance with the up-to-date CIEEM guidelines for ecological report writing. The ecological reports are valid for 12 months so must be submitted to the planning authority within a year of the report being issued. Updated surveys may be required if the report is not submitted in time.
More information about district licencing and EPSLs is available on our website here or you can contact us here.
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