If a development is assessed as having the potential to adversely impact great crested newt (GCN) via terrestrial or aquatic habitat, further surveys are typically recommended.

 

In the first instance, a GCN Habitat Suitability Assessment is undertaken at waterbodies on and within a certain radius of a site (usually a 250m or 500m radius) using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) technique. This determines if a waterbody is assessed as having the potential to support GCN.

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We try to include this Assessment at our Preliminary Ecological Appraisal stage to reduce overall costs for our Clients.

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Timing: All year round.​

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If the Habitat Suitability Assessment confirms that a particular waterbody has the potential to support GCN, further surveys are undertaken using the environmental DNA (eDNA) method or by trapping, netting, egg searches and torching methodology.

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Timing: eDNA: 15th April to 30th June.  Other methods: Mid-March to Mid-June. 

We provide a full European Protected Species Mitigation Licensing (EPSML) service, including District Licensing.

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Dru Hall is Low Impact Class Licensed for GCN for small projects, which keeps costs down.

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We also provide a mitigation package tailored to each site such as receptor site preparation, exclusion fencing, trapping and translocation, and monitoring.

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