Great Crested Newt Surveys
Compliant risk surveys and mitigation planning for great crested newts.
Prevent project delays and ensure responsible, lawful development with a great crested newt survey. Detailed, compliant reports to support your planning applications & European Protected Species Licences.
What is a great crested newt survey?
Great crested newt surveys are ecological assessments carried out to determine whether the protected species (Triturus cristatus) is present and whether a proposed development could affect them or their habitat.
Great crested newts and their breeding sites are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), meaning works that disturb, damage or destroy habitats may require mitigation and licensing.
Surveys include environmental DNA (eDNA) testing and more detailed population assessments. The findings are used to assess risk, inform necessary mitigation guidelines, and, if required, support an application for a Great Crested Newt European Protected Species Licence (EPSL).
Great Crested Newt EPSL
A Great Crested Newt EPSL is provided by Natural England and permits the lawful disturbance of great crested newts and their habitats.
To apply for an EPSL, you will require sufficient survey evidence.
It may also be possible to carry out works under a District Licensing Scheme for great crested newts, where available.
Great crested newt surveys we offer
We offer a range of Great Crested Newt surveys, including:
- Great crested newt eDNA surveys
- Great crested newt population surveys
Great Crested Newt eDNA Surveys
In a nutshell
- Seasonality: Mid-April to June
- Survey type: Desk study, field survey
- Report lead time: 1-2 working days (from survey completion)
- Report validity: 12-18 months
About Great Crested Newt eDNA Surveys
GCN Environmental DNA (eDNA) Surveys are conducted by ecologists with at least a Class I Great Crested Newt Survey Licence. The survey aims to determine the presence of great crested newts in a pond on-site or nearby, which could be negatively impacted by development works.
The ecologist will take water samples and have them tested to verify if great crested newt DNA is present. An eDNA is usually carried out following a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal; a pond on-site, or within 500m of the site, will typically have been identified as suitable for supporting great crested newts.
When will the eDNA survey be conducted?
The seasonal window for conducting a great crested newt eDNA Survey is between 15th April and 30th June.
Project outcomes
The outcomes of a Great Crested Newt eDNA Survey will be as follows:
A negative result for great crested newt DNA, meaning the development can progress without further assessment for the species (pending application approval).
A positive result for great crested newt DNA, triggering the requirement of a Population Survey and further reporting.
Great Crested Newt Population Surveys
In a nutshell
- Seasonality: Mid-March to Mid-June
- Survey type: Desk study, field survey
- Lead time: 3-5 days (from survey completion)
- Report validity: 12-18 months
About Great Crested Newt Population Surveys
GCN Population Surveys are conducted by ecologists with at least a Class I Great Crested Newt Survey Licence. The survey aims to determine the number of great crested newts in a pond, which could potentially be impacted by development works.
Techniques to determine great crested newt populations include bottle trapping, torch surveys, egg search and netting.
When will the Population Survey be conducted?
Six surveys will be conducted overall during mid-March to mid-June, with at least three of these taking place between mid-April to mid-May.
Project outcomes
A Great Crested Newt Population Survey will typically provide the following outcomes:
An evaluation and impact assessment provided in the form of a report, written in accordance with the current standards and guidelines.
The results of the Population Survey will inform your planning application. Once planning consent has been obtained, an EPSL may be required to relocate the great crested newts from the development site.
When is a great crested newt survey required?
A great crested newt survey will be required if your proposed development could affect ponds, terrestrial habitat or movement corridors used by the protected species. A survey is commonly required where:
- A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal identifies moderate or high suitability for great crested newts.
- Ponds are present on site or within 500 metres of the proposed development.
- Works are likely to affect ponds, ditches or other aquatic habitats suitable for breeding.
- Development may impact terrestrial habitats, such as rough grassland, scrub, woodland or field margins.
- Local planning authorities request survey evidence to determine a planning application.
When can great crested newt surveys be performed?
The great crested newt survey season is between mid-March and the end of June. The season varies slightly for eDNA and population surveys; please see our guide for more information.
Optimal Survey Season
Sub-Optimal Survey Season
Survey Not Possible
Great Crested Newt eDNA Surveys
Great Crested Newt Population Surveys
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our great crested newt survey process
With over 20 years of experience conducting ecological surveys, our team will provide clear, compliant guidance every step of the way. Our GCN survey methodology is usually as follows:
01
Contact us for a quote
Reach out to our team for a survey quote, and we’ll respond within 24 hours. You may also have been recommended a great crested newt survey as part of your PEA with us.
02
Preliminary eDNA & assessment
Environmental DNA sampling will be undertaken to identify the presence or likely absence of great crested newts in ponds on or within 500m of your development site.
03
Further GCN surveys
If the outcome of the eDNA survey is positive, our team will conduct a further Population Survey to determine the number of great crested newts on-site.
04
Report delivery & licensing
We’ll gather and analyse all survey evidence to provide a full report written to the latest CIEEM guidelines. This report will inform your next steps, including planning and licence applications.
01
Contact us for a quote
Reach out to our team for a survey quote, and we’ll respond within 24 hours. You may also have been recommended a great crested newt survey as part of your PEA with us.
02
Preliminary eDNA & assessment
Environmental DNA sampling will be undertaken to identify the presence or likely absence of great crested newts in ponds on or within 500m of your development site.
03
Further GCN surveys
If the outcome of the eDNA survey is positive, our team will conduct a further Population Survey to determine the number of great crested newts on-site.
04
Report delivery & licensing
We’ll gather and analyse all survey evidence to provide a full report written to the latest CIEEM guidelines. This report will inform your next steps, including planning and licence applications.
Project outcomes for great crested newt surveys
A great crested newt survey will provide the appropriate evidence to safeguard this protected species on your development site. Possible project outcomes include:
- Confirmation that great crested newts are unlikely to be present, with no further survey or mitigation required.
- Identification of great crested newt presence or suitable habitat, informing the need for appropriate mitigation and design measures.
- Clear ecological reporting, suitable for planning applications to local planning authorities.
- Recommendation of licensing requirements, including the need for a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL).
Please note: Any additional work required after the initial survey would be scoped and quoted accordingly and discussed with you before proceeding.
Get a great crested newt survey quote
Gain the clarity you need to move your development forward with clear survey evidence on great crested newt presence on-site.
Contact our team to discuss your project and survey needs, and receive considered, expert ecological advice that supports both your project and responsible, lawful and beneficial outcomes for nature.
Contact details
info@alyneecology.co.ukGet a great crested newt survey quote
Gain the clarity you need to move your development forward with clear survey evidence on great crested newt presence on-site.
Contact our team to discuss your project and survey needs, and receive considered, expert ecological advice that supports both your project and responsible, lawful and beneficial outcomes for nature.