Protected Species | Reptiles

Peak Ecology have considerable experience in the provision of reptile surveys & the design and implementation of both simple and complex mitigation strategies.

Legislation and Ecology

There are six species of native reptiles found in the UK, four are widespread and relatively common; grass snake Natrix natrix, adder Vipera berus, common lizard Zootoca vivipara and slow worm Anguis fragilis, with smooth snake Coronella austriaca and sand lizard Lacerta agilis distributions limited to localised populations within the southern counties of England.

Reptiles are generally active between March and October, hibernating over the winter. Habitat requirements are species specific, but generally include areas of open mosaic habitat with south-facing features for basking and egg-laying/incubation, with some level of cover, including laying-up sites and potential areas for which to hibernate.

All six native species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) (as amended), with smooth snake and sand lizard receiving a higher level of protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017).

Services

• Habitat suitability survey (normally as part of an Extended Habitat Survey)
• Bespoke reptile surveys and assessment
• Bespoke design and implementation of reptile mitigation schemes
• Habitat management advice
• Non-licenced Method Statement production
• Reptile translocation

Reptile surveys are seasonally constrained with the spring (typically March to June) or autumn (usually September and October) being the optimal periods for survey. Ordinarily, a survey will involve an initial site visit, to scope the site and carry out an assessment of all potential reptile habitats. Typically, artificial refugia are then laid out within pre-planned south-facing locations, ideally within an area of partial cover. The refugia are then allowed to bed in, ideally for a minimum of four weeks, before they are then systematically checked over a minimum of seven survey visits over a period of weeks, weather permitting.

If reptiles are found to be present, then suitable mitigation will usually be required. The recommended mitigation will depend upon the size of the reptile population, the species and the level of impact anticipated by the proposals. It may be acceptable to clear a site under a supervised non-licenced method statement where works are small scale, or impacts are predicted to be sufficiently minimal. However where impacts are significant or no suitable habitat will remain, translocation of the population may be the most suitable option. It should be noted that translocations can only be undertaken during the reptile active season March to October (inclusive).

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