Amphibians & Reptiles

Amphibians

We can survey for a range of amphibians, including great crested newt, smooth newt, palmate newt, common frog and common toad.

Great Crested Newt

Great crested newts are a European Protected Species and are fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). The animals and their eggs, breeding sites and resting places are protected by law. As such any site with a pond may require great crested newt survey.

Newts can move considerable distances overland from breeding sites, and all ponds within 500m of a site boundary may need to be surveyed to determine if newts are present. Detailed night-time survey is seasonally constrained to the spring and early summer when the adult newts are in breeding ponds, although a habitat assessment can be undertaken at any time of year.

Direct Ecology are licensed to undertake great crested newt survey work. Our surveyors are experienced with habitat suitability index assessment, nocturnal survey, netting and undertaking eDNA analysis.  We are also experienced in undertaking licensed mitigation work including trapping and translocation.

Reptiles

Direct Ecology can survey for reptiles such as common lizard, slow worm, adder and grass snake. We can undertake translocation of reptiles from work areas to nearby habitat to ensure no direct harm to species. Reptiles may be present on any site with habitats such as scrub, rough grassland and heathland.