Great Crested Newt Survey
There are 4 species (one introduced) of newt in the UK. The terrestrial habitat is just as important as the aquatic habitat for newts. Great crested newts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the EU Habitats Directive. It is considered a criminal offence to take, disturb or destroy a great crested newt or its habitat. Our ecologists are licensed by Natural England (NE) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) to survey great crested newt populations. We offer the following surveys:
- Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) – This survey quantitatively assesses the suitability of a pond or waterbody and its terrestrial habitat for great crested newts and informs us whether further presence/population surveys are required.
- Presence / Population Survey – A survey carried out over four or six nights, to establish the presence and population size of great crested newts. The information is used to recommend mitigation to protect newts and their habitat during development/works and determine whether a Natural England European Protected Speciesdevelopment license is required.
- Natural England European Protected Species Development License These licenses are put in place to protect the species of concern, if a development is going to have a major impact on a colony. Our ecologists can help guide you through the process (if required), providing expert advice on mitigation and enhancement of a habitat or structure.
Contact OHES
Call +44 (0) 870 240 3329 or
email info@ohes.co.uk