Reptile surveys
You will usually be asked for reptile surveys if you’ve had a preliminary ecological appraisal that has identified habitats on site that are suitable to support reptiles.
Reptile presence / absence surveys
If a site is identified as having suitability to support reptiles, a reptile presence / absence survey is required, which checks to see whether the site does support reptiles, and if so, what species and how many.
The survey methodology involves placing artificial refugia, such as corrugated metal sheets and carpet tiles, around the site, which reptiles use for shelter and to regulate their temperature.
Reptiles are generally active from early spring to late autumn and enter a period of hibernation when the temperature drops through the winter months. During active periods these cold-blooded animals spend much of their time basking in the sun to raise their body temperature before hunting for prey.
Refuge surveys exploit the reptilian attraction to warm microhabitats created under objects lying on the ground, heated by the sun. Objects are specifically placed to attract reptiles for survey purposes.
We check the refugia seven times over the space of a number of weeks and any reptiles seen are recorded.
Our experienced ecologists can complete reptile surveys from March through to October, although the optimal months are April, May and September.
What happens next?
If no reptiles are found on site, no further reptile surveys are required and we will produce a report that can be used to secure planning permission. If reptiles are identified as using the site a reptile population size class assessment will need to be undertaken.
Reptile population size class assessment (PSCA)
If reptiles are identified during the initial reptile presence / absence surveys an additional 8 surveys are required following the same survey methodology to determine the reptile population.
Following the reptile population size class assessment, you’ll usually have to submit a reptile method statement to the Local Planning Authority as part of your planning application. Our reptile method statements detail how you will exclude reptiles from site. This is often a case of simply reducing the vegetation cover, and having an ecological clerk of works present to search refugia and move any reptiles off-site prior to the start of works.
Protected status
Britain has 6 species of native reptile. They are Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara), Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), Slow-Worm (Anguis fragilis), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix), Adder (Vipera berus) and Smooth Snake (Coroneela austriaca).
Common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes and adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The rare sand lizard and smooth snake receive ‘full protection’ under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.
Are we the right reptile surveyors for you?
At UES, our ecologists are experienced in surveying and mitigating for reptiles to ensure a positive outcome for your planning application.
Our surveyors are also members of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), who promote the highest standards of practice through a professional code of conduct and continuing professional development.
For more information on the requirement of reptile surveys, please click the below link: