Great Crested Newt (GCN) Surveys
Great crested newt surveys are an essential part of development projects that may affect their habitats. These surveys help to ensure that the newts are protected and their habitats are conserved.
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Why are great crested newts surveyed?
Great crested newts (GCN) are listed as a European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive. They are protected under the wildlife and countryside act (1981) and are a priority species under the UK post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
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When do I need to have a great crested newt survey?
A GCN survey should be undertaken when any proposed development with suitable habitat within 500m of a pond is planned. This is not just limited to ponds; GCN spend a majority of the year in their terrestrial phase, foraging in long grasses, scrub, and woodland.
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A GCN survey should be undertaken by a licensed surveyor, enabling them to legally disturb newts for the purpose of assessing potential development impacts. Surveys can be carried out between March and June as this is when GCN’s breed in ponds.
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GCN surveys entail between four and six site visits to each waterbody ecologically connected to the proposed development site. Each visit uses three methods to search for GCN. The below methods are the three Abrehart Ecology use most frequently, however, netting is also a servuce we offer if the pond is unsuitable for other methods.
Egg Search
Manually inspecting submerged vegetation for GCN eggs during daylight.
Torching
Nocturnal searches for adult GCN using a high-powered torch.
Trapping
The use of overnight funnel traps to catch and count adult GCN.
Alternatively an eDNA survey may be offered
You may be offered the option of an eDNA survey instead of full GCN surveys as part of your development.
eDNA surveys are recommended for a variety of reasons such as if a pond on/near the development site could support GCN but there have been no/few local records, or if a pond may be suitable but is not ideal.
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They involve testing water samples from ponds for the presence of GCN DNA and are more effective during GCN breeding season (mid March - mid June). If the results are negative then no further surveys are necessary, however if any of the ponds sampled return a positive result for GCN DNA then full GCN surveys are required.
District Level Licensing is also an option
Any development deemed to hold potential for GCN breeding can forgo full surveys and eDNA surveys by applying for District Level License (DLL) if the area that the Site is located in allows.
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A DLL allows developers to pay a substantial fee, which goes towards GCN habitat creation and management, and permits the development to go ahead regardless of GCN presence.
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What does Abrehart Ecology offer?
At Abrehart Ecology we offer professional, skilled, and efficient great crested newt survey work for both full GCN surveys and eDNA surveys. We undertake in-house fieldwork and expert report writing, with our licenced employees.