Protected Species Survey: Reptiles

All UK reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

 

Initial survey

During a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA), our licenced ecologists will assess a site for its suitability to support reptiles. This includes assessing the habitat present and searching for field signs including sloughs and tracks. If the site has potential for reptiles, we will undertake a refugia survey to confirm whether reptiles are present or likely absent.

 

Further surveys

Presence/likely absence surveys for reptiles take place between March and June, and again in September. Artificial refugia are distributed across a site in areas of suitable reptile habitat. Our experience ecologists will then make seven visits to record which species are present.

 

Mitigation

Once surveys are complete a full impact assessment of the proposed development on reptiles is made and an appropriate mitigation strategy devised. This will likely involve a Method Statement for work to prevent disturbance, injury or death.