Why do I need a reptile survey?
If your site has evidence of reptiles or potential habitat to support reptiles, then you may need a reptile survey. Within the UK, all six species of native terrestrial reptiles, are legally protected by UK law:
- Common (or viviparous) lizard
- Grass snake
- Slow worm
- Adder
- Smooth snake *
- Sand lizard *
* Additional legal protection is provided to breeding sites and resting places of the smooth snake and sand lizard.
Contact Greenwillows Associates Ltd. by clicking the ‘Contact Us’ button below or go to the main menu above.
What happens in a reptile survey?
Reptile Survey Timing
The optimal reptile survey months are typically April and May, or September.
Reptile Survey
Our ecologists will use industry standard survey methods. This involves the survey equipment (refugia tiles) to bed in for a short period, usually two weeks. A survey requires a minimum of 7 site visits to be undertaken.
Report
The document is part of an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) report or a species specific impact assessment report. The report will detail the impact your project may have on reptiles, and recommend mitigation and compensation strategies, as required by the Local Planning Authority.
Reptile Mitigation – what does this involve?
Reptiles are legally protected. If your works are going to disturb reptiles you will need a mitigation plan. Examples of mitigation might include alternative habitat for reptiles or translocation strategies.
You will need to obtain a mitigation licence if your work will impact sand lizards and smooth snakes. These two reptile species have additional legal protection. Our team are experienced in advising our clients on mitigation and licences, as well as assisting in applying for licences. Go to the Mitigation Licence webpage for further details.
