Great Crested Newt (GCN) Surveys
GCN surveys are an essential part of development projects that may affect their habitats. These surveys help to ensure that the newts are protected and their habitats are conserved.
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Why are GCN surveyed?
Great Crested Newts (GCN) are European Protected Species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), with additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). They are also Species of Principal Importance (SPI).
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When do I need to have a GCN survey?
A GCN survey should be undertaken where a proposed development has the potential to impact suitable GCN habitat, including ponds and associated terrestrial habitat. This typically includes ponds within approximately 500 m of the development site where suitable habitat is present and there is potential ecological connectivity. This is not just limited to ponds, as GCN spend a significant proportion of the year in their terrestrial phase, foraging in long grass, scrub, and woodland.
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A GCN survey should be undertaken by a licensed surveyor, enabling them to legally survey and handle GCN for the purpose of assessing potential development impacts. Surveys are typically carried out during the breeding season, between March and June, when GCN are most likely to be present in ponds.
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GCN surveys typically involve between four and six site visits to each waterbody that is ecologically connected to the proposed development site. Each visit uses a combination of methods to detect GCN. The methods below are those most frequently used by Abrehart Ecology. Netting is also a service we offer where ponds are unsuitable for other survey methods.
Egg Search
Manually inspecting submerged vegetation for GCN eggs during daylight.
Torching
Nocturnal searches for adult GCN using a high-powered torch.
Trapping
The use of overnight funnel traps to catch and count adult GCN.
eDNA Surveys
You may be offered the option of an eDNA survey instead of full GCN surveys as part of your development.
eDNA surveys are often recommended where a pond on or near the development site has the potential to support GCN but their are no or limited records, or where habitat is suitable but not considered optimal.
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They involve collecting and testing water samples from ponds for the presence of GCN DNA. Surveys are most effective during the breeding season (mid March to mid June). If results are negative, further surveys are usually not required. However, if any sampled ponds return a positive result for GCN DNA, full GCN surveys are required.
District Level Licensing
District Level Licensing is also an option. Where a development site falls within an eligible District Level Licensing scheme area and has potential to support GCN, developers may be able to use this approach instead of undertaking full population surveys.
A District Level Licence allows impacts on GCN to be addressed at a strategic level. Developers pay a fee which contributes to the creation and long term management of suitable habitat for the species, helping to deliver conservation gains at a landscape scale. Once a site is registered and authorised under the scheme, development can proceed in line with the licence conditions without the need for traditional site specific population surveys.
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What does Abrehart Ecology offer?
At Abrehart Ecology we offer professional, skilled, and efficient GCN survey work, including both full GCN surveys and eDNA surveys. We undertake in house fieldwork and expert report writing with our licensed ecologists.