GREAT CRESTED NEWT SURVEYS
Flight Ecology provide great crested newt surveys for developments that may affect ponds and waterbodies, or habitat surrounding such habitats.
Following a phase 1 habitat survey, great crested newt surveys may be recommended. If you have a development that is likely to have an impact on ponds or waterbodies or habitat surrounding such habitat then great crested newt surveys may be required.
There are three species of newts in the UK, the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus - pictured left), smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris - pictured left) and the palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus).
The great crested newt is classed as a European Protected Species and is protected in the UK under Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Things that are an offence under the law include:
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capturing, killing, disturbing or injuring great crested newts deliberately;
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damaging or destroying a breeding or resting place;
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obstructing access to their resting or sheltering places (deliberately or by not taking enough care);
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possessing, selling, controlling or transporting live or dead newts, or parts of them; or
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taking great crested newt eggs.
The penalty for these offences can be unlimited fines and up to 6 months in prison for each offence.
However, surveys planned and undertaken in advance can ensure that great crested newts are properly mitigated for.
Based in Cumbria, Flight Ecology are not just restricted to Cumbria, Lancashire and the North-west but can help you to carry out great crested newt surveys over the entire country.
We will undertake great crested newt presence and absence surveys followed by population assessments, if great crested newts are found.
Survey techniques involve egg searches, torchlight surveys, and bottle trapping.
We can also provide ecological clerk of works services for great crested newt translocations as part of newt mitigation works.
Flight Ecology provide great crested newt surveying across the north-west and beyond, including in Carlisle, Cumbria and the Lake District, and Lancashire including Lancaster, Preston and the Fylde area. if you require any newt surveys then please feel free to get in touch