Established in 2014, RammSanderson provides great crested newt surveys across the United Kingdom, safeguarding European Protected Species (EPS) under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
The great crested newt is a European Protected Species that has suffered long-term declines since the twentieth century, primarily due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
It is now internally recognised as a vulnerable, or endangered, species in more than 37 European states and is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulation 2017.
Planning Applications and Great Crested Newt Surveys
It is a requirement by law within planning applications to carry out great crested newt surveys where there is a pond or standing water within 500m of a proposed development. This survey ensures that both the species and habitat can be considered, and the development doesn’t impact any newts present.
Our preliminary ecological great crested newt surveys consider newt presence within:
- 500m of any permanent loss of habitat
- 250m for temporary work (temporary loss of habitat)
While newts spend up to 75% of their lives on land, they are very elusive and can only be readily and accurately surveyed when in water during the breeding season between the period of mid-March to mid-June.
Licenced Ecological Survey Experts
Our ecologists hold the necessary licences issued by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales to conduct great crested newt surveys and handle this species.
We have many years of experience working with this amphibian and can confidently tackle any scale of project.
We work closely with our clients to provide sensible, cost-effective solutions whilst working within the parameters set by current guidance and Natural England.
Our licensed ecologists choose the most appropriate great crested newt surveys methodology for your project, including:
- Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments
- Environmental DNA sample collection
- Pond survey (bottle/box trap, egg search, torch & sweep net)
- Terrestrial survey & refuge search
- Pitfall trapping
- Capture-mark-recapture-release & specialist belly-pattern analysis
Our experience includes the preparation of survey reports, mitigation strategies, EPS Licence applications, Low Impact Class Licence and District Licence applications, monitoring schemes, and habitat creation.
We often act as Ecological Clerk of Works for great crested newts and other species, including preparation and the delivery of toolbox talks to contractors as part of the site induction process.
Why Choose RammSanderson for Great Crested Newt Surveys?
With over 20 years of experience, our licenced ecological experts will work closely with you to ensure you receive comprehensive great crested newt surveys, accurate reports, mitigation strategies, EPS licence applications, and habitat creation where required.
Our Director, Nick Sanderson, and Associate Director, Matt Oakley, are amongst only a handful of ecologists within England to hold Registered Consultant status for GCN enabling certain sites to be licenced for GCN within 10 working days.
RammSanderson has a team of experienced consultants ready to carry out Great Crested Newt Surveys. Get in touch today!