Great Crested Newt Surveys

Great crested newts (GCN) are the largest of the UK's native newts, growing up to 17cm long. Known for their distinctive, warty skin and vibrant orange belly, they are strictly protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This legislation makes it illegal to kill, injure, or disturb GCN, or to destroy, damage or obstruct access to their breeding sites and resting places.

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Why do I need a Great Crested Newt (GCN) survey?

The primary aim of a GCN survey is to establish whether GCN are present, assess population size, evaluate habitat suitability, and determine the potential impact of a proposed development.

When are GCN surveys required?

GCN surveys are required when a proposed development site contains suitable aquatic or terrestrial habitats, such as ponds, ditches, grassland, hedgerows, scrub, or woodland. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) usually require GCN surveys as part of planning applications to ensure compliance with legislation and to mitigate potential impacts on protected species.

Residential and Commercial Developments

Particularly those near suitable water bodies such as ponds, ditches, and wetlands.

Infrastructure Projects

Including road, rail, and pipeline works that may impact terrestrial or aquatic habitats.

Quarrying, Mining, and Mineral Extraction

Where habitat loss or disturbance is likely.

Agricultural and Land Management Activities

Particularly those involving drainage works, pond creation, or habitat restoration.

Excavation trench alongside houses with construction machinery in background

Survey Process

There are two main routes for completing GCN surveys, depending on the location of your site and whether it is covered by a District Licensing Scheme. Regardless of the route you take, initial surveys normally comprise:

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment

A preliminary assessment evaluating the likelihood of GCN presence based on 10 criteria, including water quality, pond size, and surrounding habitat.

EDNA surveys

collecting water samples from all ponds within 500 metres of your site to detect the presence of GCN DNA, providing a highly accurate, non-invasive method for determining their presence or likely absence.

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Project

Location: Checking whether your development site falls within a District Licensing Scheme area. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to proceed with full surveys.

Timeline: District licensing can help you avoid delays caused by seasonal survey restrictions if your project is time-sensitive.

Budget: We can compare upfront contributions and post-consent fees for district licensing versus the cost of full surveys and site-specific mitigation.

Ecological Impact: For ecologically sensitive sites, traditional surveys may provide more detailed information to guide your mitigation strategy.

What is required if GCNs are confirmed present?

The Traditional Route: Full GCN Surveys

Population surveys

If GCNs are confirmed, six surveys are required to estimate population size. These surveys occur between April and June, with at least 50% completed by mid-May.

Licencing

If it is not possible to avoid impacts to GCN, a mitigation licence will be required from Natural England. We can apply for this on your behalf.

Benefits of full surveys

Provides detailed, site-specific data about newt populations.

Allows for tailored mitigation measures that align closely with the needs of your project.

Key considertations of full surveys

Must be conducted during the breeding season (March to June), so missing this window can delay your project by up to a year.

If newts are present, additional mitigation measures such as creating new ponds or suitable terrestrial habitats may be required, adding cost and complexity.

A full survey is necessary if your development falls outside a District Licensing Scheme.

The Alternative Route: The District Licensing Scheme

What it does

For some developers, the District Licensing Scheme (DLS) offers a more streamlined approach to GCN mitigation. Rather than conducting site-specific surveys, developers contribute to a conservation fund managed by Natural England, NatureSpace or occasionally another organisation.

How District Licensing Works

Each district is divided into risk zones reflecting habitat suitability and the likelihood of GCN presence.

Developers contribute to the fund according to their risk zone and development type.

The scheme supports landscape-scale conservation efforts, enhancing habitat connectivity and resilience.

Benefits of District Licensing

Faster Process: Avoids the need for site-specific surveys, eliminating delays caused by seasonal restrictions.

Landscape: Scale Conservation: Supports biodiversity by focusing on habitat creation and management across entire regions.

Simplified Compliance: Reduces administrative complexity and logistical hurdles.

Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than traditional surveys, especially for smaller developments.

Drawbacks of District Licensing

Coverage is limited to specific areas, and not all regions are eligible.

Costs are sometimes unpredictable due to varying fees at different stages of the process.

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