PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEYS Great Crested Newt Surveys
If your development site has ponds, ditches, or even damp grassland nearby, you might need a Great Crested Newt (GCN) survey before planning can move forward.
Great crested newts are protected by law across the UK, and that means it’s illegal to capture, disturb, injure, or kill them — or damage the places they breed and shelter. Even if you’re not sure they’re present, local authorities often ask for a survey just to be on the safe side.
That’s where we come in.
Our licensed ecologists carry out Great Crested Newt surveys across England, helping developers stay compliant with wildlife laws while avoiding costly delays. We know exactly what planning officers are looking for — and we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.
What’s Involved?
There are a couple of ways we can survey for newts:
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)
A quick first step to assess whether your site is likely to support GCNs.
Presence/absence surveys
Carried out between mid-March and mid-June, often involving bottle trapping, egg searches, and torch surveys.
eDNA testing
A quicker and less invasive method that detects GCN DNA in water samples. It’s only available during mid-April to end of June.
If newts are found, we’ll help you put together a mitigation plan or apply for a Natural England licence, so your project can keep moving.
Planning-Friendly Reports
After the survey, you’ll get a clear, detailed report for your planning application — complete with results, maps, recommendations, and next steps. We make sure everything ticks the right boxes for local planning authorities and Natural England.
Not sure if you need a newt survey? Give us a call or drop us a message — we’ll ask a few quick questions about your site and let you know exactly what’s required. No jargon. No guesswork. Just expert advice that gets your project moving.
GREAT CRESTED NEWT SURVEYS FAQs
What is a Great Crested Newt survey?
A Great Crested Newt survey is a study conducted to determine the presence and distribution of the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) in a specific area. These surveys typically involve assessing water bodies, ponds, and terrestrial habitats to identify whether these protected species are present.
Why are Great Crested Newts important to survey?
Great Crested Newts are a protected species under UK and European law. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Surveys help conservationists understand their distribution, population size, and ensure proper protection for their habitats.
When should a Great Crested Newt survey be conducted?
Surveys should ideally be conducted during the active season of the Great Crested Newt, which is typically between mid-March and June. During this time, the newts are more likely to be found in ponds for breeding, making it easier to detect them through visual or acoustic monitoring.
What methods are used in Great Crested Newt surveys?
Common survey methods include:
Bottle trapping: Placing traps in ponds to capture newts for identification.
Visual surveys: Observing newts during their breeding season.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling: Collecting water samples to detect traces of DNA left by newts.
Torchlight surveys: Conducting surveys at night to spot newts using flashlights.
Do I need permission to conduct a Great Crested Newt survey?
Yes, Great Crested Newts are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Directive. If you plan to carry out surveys or any work that may affect newts, you need to obtain the proper licences from relevant authorities, such as Natural England.
How long does a Great Crested Newt survey take?
The duration of a survey depends on factors such as the size of the area being surveyed, the method used, and the number of surveys conducted. A typical survey may take between one and three hours for a single pond, but more extensive surveys can last several days, especially for larger areas with multiple habitats.
What happens if Great Crested Newts are found during a survey?
If Great Crested Newts are found during a survey, it is important to follow specific protocols to protect them. In some cases, further surveys or mitigation measures may be required, such as habitat management or creating buffer zones around the habitat to prevent disruption.
Can I conduct a Great Crested Newt survey myself?
It’s best to hire a licensed ecologist or survey professional to conduct the survey, as they have the necessary expertise and legal permissions. The surveyor must follow strict guidelines and use the appropriate survey techniques to ensure that the newts are handled and studied in compliance with wildlife protection laws.
Need a Great Crested Newt Survey
Get in touch for a free quote — we’ll talk you through exactly what’s needed and find a survey date that fits your schedule