Amphibian Surveys

Great Crested Newt and Natterjack Toad

Part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Cambridge Ecology will assess the suitability of your site to Great crested newtsupport Amphibian surveys (using HSI assessment of eDNA analysis). Subsequent detailed surveys may then be required to the inform appropriate levels of mitigation or compensation for a development licence applications. These Great Crested Newt surveys include specialised methods such as:

  • eDNA analysis
  • HSI Assessment
  • Egg Search Surveys
  • Torch Surveys
  • Netting Surveys
  • Bottle Trapping Surveys

Cambridge Ecology has experienced ecologists able to undertake Great Crested Newt surveys, possessing Natural England Great Crested Newt survey licences, necessary for all standard Great Crested Newt Surveys.

See survey timetable for the optimal survey period.

For licensing purposes three separate methods are required to determine the likely presence / absence of Great Crested Newt.

Legislation and protection

The Great Crested Newt and  Natterjack Toad are fully protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) as a Protected Species. It is an offence to:

  • intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take (capture etc.) these species;
  • possess these species;
  • intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy, obstruct access to any structure or place used by these species for shelter or protection, or disturb these species occupying such a structure or place; and
  • sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for the purpose of sale (live or dead animal, part or derivative) or advertise for buying or selling such things.

This legislation is considered to include terrestrial habitat within 500 metres of a Great Crested Newt breeding pond that will function as foraging and hibernating habitat for the newts.

If convicted of an offence the penalties can be severe, including a fine of up to £5000 (per animal) and/or six months in prison.

Other amphibians

All British amphibians receive limited protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), making it illegal to sell or trade them

The Great Crested Newt, Natterjack Toad, and Common Toad are UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) priority species.

Other species of amphibians are also Section 41 priority species under the terms of the NERC Act 2006.

For more information on how we can help you, please get in touch or call 01954 231239.