Great Crested Newts – Peak Ecology

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Protected Species | Great Crested Newts & Other Amphibians

Peak Ecology has an established team of experienced licensed ecologists to survey for great crested newts (GCN) across England and Wales.

As a team we have comprehensive knowledge of the ecology and habitat requirements of all British amphibians and are very experienced in providing habitat assessments, using a range of survey techniques and the designing and implementing of mitigation strategies to suit a particular scheme or project.

All still or slow-flowing waterbodies have the potential to support GCN and other amphibians and they will also use the surrounding land for feeding and over-wintering. Therefore, a development site within 250m of a pond, and sometimes further, could impact on GCN and is likely to require an assessment to ascertain whether GCN are present. At Peak Ecology Ltd we offer the following range of services:

Habitat Suitability Index Assessments;
eDNA analysis to determine presence or absence;
Presence/absence surveys (standard 4-visit survey);
Population Size Class Assessments (standard 6-visit survey – a requirement for planning);
Pond and habitat creation or enhancement;
District Licencing submissions;
Production of non-licensed GCN method statements; and
European Protected Species Licencing (EPSL).

Peak Ecology has the capability and capacity to undertake a wide range of GCN related projects, from small-scale local projects through to large-scale national infrastructure schemes. Whether the scheme is big or small, simple or complex, Peak Ecology has a tried and tested portfolio of past and current projects; this combined with our experienced staff makes Peak Ecology stand out from our competitors.

At Peak Ecology, we take a pragmatic view; where the viability of the population is not threatened, we will look to take the simpler, and cheaper, method statement approach. Although when necessary, we will take you through the licencing route. We also provide general advice, ECoW support and habitat management schemes as a matter of course.

If you are interested in any of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us >>

Service	What does this involve?	When can this work be undertaken?
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment	An ecologist will assess the pond and surrounding area using a number of recognised criteria. A calculation is then used to determine the likelihood of a pond supporting great crested newts.	Any time of year
Presence/absence surveys	A suite of survey techniques are used to determine the presence or absence of great crested newts. This requires four visits over a number of weeks. These surveys take place in the evening when newts are most active and early morning.	Mid-March to mid-June; evenings/after dark and early mornings.
Population size class estimate	Population size class estimates are often used if great crested newts are confirmed in presence/absence surveys. This is a requirement for an EPS mitigation licence.	Mid-March to mid-June; evenings/after dark and early mornings.
European Protected Species (EPS) mitigation licence preparation	A licence is usually required if there is any risk to newts (such as killing, disturbing or injuring), or their habitat from proposed work. More information can be found on the Licensing page.	Any time of year
Intensive hand-searching of site prior to works	If low impact works are proposed, this can sometimes be a method of ensuring no great crested newts are present within a development site. It may involve dismantling rubble or log piles or a finger-tip search of vegetation. It is also used in combination with other techniques such as temporary amphibian fencing.	Feb – Oct.
Amphibian fencing, capture and translocation	Great crested newts and other amphibians can be cleared from ‘at risk’ areas using a combination of methods such as temporary amphibian fencing and trapping techniques. We can provide advice on fencing and lead on capture and translocation projects. This type of work is undertaken under licence.	Feb – Oct.
Mitigation plans/method statements	Method statements and mitigation plans can be produced to ensure minimal impact on newts and/or ensure their future protection. We also provide advice on enhancing, creating and restoring habitats for the benefit of newts.	Any time of year