Reptile Survey

Reptile Surveys and Reptile Mitigation

Our professional approach to each of our client’s project allows us to recognise the need for development while adhering to current reptile legislation.

The information below is for guidance only and may not include all aspects of the species or mitigation. Full details are available from our qualified ecologists.

Did you know? REPTILE FACTS

Native British reptiles protected species are Grass Snake, Smooth Snake, Slow Worm, Adder, Common Lizard, Sand Lizard.
The Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard are endangered species.
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals which breathe air and are covered in scales.
Reptiles hibernate between November – February.
Preferred habitats include: Scrub, Rough Grass, Heaths, Moors, Woodland Boundaries.

Legislation

It is illegal to: Injure, capture, kill, keep, transport or sell a reptile. Damage or destroy a breeding or resting site or obstruct access to a place of shelter either intentionally or unintentionally. The grass snake, slow worm, adder and the common lizard are protected under section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The smooth snake and sand lizard are also protected under the same legislation plus Regulation 9 of the EU Habitat Regulation 1994 as they are both endangered species.

WHAT WE DO

Initial Assessment for Reptiles

The initial survey of a proposed development site will establish the potential for any reptiles and the possible impact on them.

Additional Reptile Surveying

If the initial survey shows that the site has potential for reptiles a further survey will be required to establish the actual presence and population status of each reptile found there.

Reptile Survey Methods

Direct Observation

A suitably qualified ecologist will visually search for reptiles basking in the sun at suitable habitat sites. This is dependant on suitable weather conditions and can only be performed at certain times of the day.
Artificial Refugia

Artificial refugia such as pieces of corrugated iron and roofing felt will be distributed across the site in specific areas deemed most suitable for reptiles. The reptiles may use the refuges as shelter from predators or to assist them with heat absorption. The refuges are later inspected by a suitably qualified ecologist up to seven times in suitable weather conditions and any activity will be recorded. This can only be performed on warm dry days and not hot weather conditions to ensure minimal disturbance to any animals found.

Reptile Licence Application

If the proposed development on the site is likely to disturb a rare smooth snake or sand lizard populations a European Protected Species licence from Natural England will be required before any works begin. For slow worm, grass snake, adders and common lizards and mitigation strategy/ method statement is agreed with Natural England and/ or the Local Authority.

Reptile Mitigation

Our Creative Ecological Solutions maximise the choices available to you the developer. While preservation of the reptiles is extremely important to us we understand and appreciate the need to develop in the modern world.

Our suggestions may include some of the following:

Trap and translocating reptiles to a suitable pre-prepared site before development begins.
Installation of barrier fencing in specific areas.
Habitat creation such as log piles or grassland areas.

Reptile Survey Times

Potential Survey Times: Mid March through to Mid October (depending on temperature)

Peak Survey Times: April to June and Spetember - October

Daytime Survey Times: 8.30 - 11am and 4 - 6.30pm

Weather conditions: Air temp 9 – 18 deg C. A dry still day is ideal.

Booking a Reptile Survey

As soon as you know you need a reptile survey we recommend you book a date for our initial assessment. Please either call us on 01676 525880 to speak to our specialist Reptile Survey department.

Alternatively please email your details to species@middlemarch-environmental.com and we will call you.

	BREEAM Assessments
	Phase 1 & Arboricultural Surveys
	Protected Species
	Mitigation Plans & Habitat Creation
	EIA & Masterplanning
	Business & Biodiversity