Reptile Surveys & Mitigation
Ecologists have extensive experience in reptile surveys and mitigation work. Our clients receive a bespoke approach to each of their projects to ensure development needs are met as well as the legal requirements of reptiles.
The four widespread species of British reptile: grass snake, slow-worm, adder and common lizard are legally protected under UK law. The much rarer smooth snake and sand lizard are fully protected under UK and EU law and require a European protected species licence from Natural England if a development affects them or their habitat. For more information on bat legislation click here.
Initial Reptile Assessment
A site assessment will identify the potential of reptiles occurring on the site and if they will be impacted by the proposed project. If the assessment reveals that the site has potential, a reptile refugia survey will be required to ascertain the presence or absence of reptiles. This involves the distribution of reptile refugia across the site in areas considered suitable for reptiles. The refugia are then inspected by a qualified ecologist at regular intervals during warm but not hot conditions, usually when there is some cloud cover with sunny spells. For more information on planning applications involving protected species click here.
Further Reptile Surveys
If reptiles are identified during the initial reptile survey it may be necessary to carry out further surveys or population studies. Following these further surveys, if proposed activities will impact on smooth snakes and sand lizards a European protected species license will be required for works to go ahead. If proposed activities will impact on common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes or adders it may be necessary to gain agreement from Natural England prior to the start of works.
Licence Application and Mitigation
Licence applications for disturbances to smooth snake and sand lizard must be accompanied by a method statement describing mitigation and how the population will be conserved post-development.
Reptiles protected under UK law will also require a mitigation strategy so that planning can be approved, mitigation can involve trapping and translocating reptiles to pre-prepared sites before development begins, the installation or barrier fencing in specific areas or habitat creation such as log piles and mosaic grassland areas.
Survey Timings
Initial and further reptile surveys are carried out between March and October, with the peak survey seasons being April-June and September-October. The protected species timetable provides information on when reptile survey and mitigation can be carried out, click here for more information.
Access Ecology Services
We work across the UK and offer our services at highly competitive rates. Our pragmatic and personal approach allows us to provide a bespoke service for each individual client when dealing with development issues. Mitigation designs are always discussed and agreed with our clients so the best possible design can be created which is subtle within the proposed development, whilst still providing the necessary mitigation for reptiles.
To discuss your project further please call the office on 0114 2587819, or if you would like to request a fee quote for your project contact us by email at info@accessecology.co.uk with your contact details and the necessary details of the project.