• Great crested newts: how to avoid the pitfalls

Great crested newts: how to avoid the pitfalls

There are three words that can strike fear into any developers heart…

GREAT CRESTED NEWTS.

But handled properly, great crested newts don’t have to be a problem. 

Here are some tips to help:

1.    Initial ecology site check.

If you have a choice of sites, it is well worth having a quick ecology site check to assess potential for great crested   newts, as well as other protected species. You may find that one site has considerably fewer species and habitats than another and is therefore less likely to cause planning delays.

2.    Minimising impact through design modifications.

If potential for great crested newts is found on the site that you want to develop, discuss ways with your ecological     consultant of avoiding or minimizing the effect of the development on the species. Often small changes in the design of a site can make a big difference and reduce your costs and project timeline considerably.

3.    Plan in ecological surveys.

If an impact on the great crested newt population is unavoidable, agree with your ecological consultant the most cost effective solution and plan in time for surveys. The survey window for great crested newts is limited to between March and June when between 4-6 survey visits have to be carried out (and at least half of these between mid-April and  mid- May). If you miss this survey window you then have to wait another 12 months before surveys can be carried out….a huge delay to any project. See survey calendar.

4.    Formulate acceptable ecological mitigation measures.

Once the size and distribution of the great crested newt     population is ascertained through great crested newt surveys,     your ecological consultant can agree a mitigation method statement with you that highlights to regulatory bodies how you plan to avoid and/ or mitigate for the loss of great crested newt habitat and avoid killing or injury of the newts. This     method statement forms part of your development licence application to Natural England (or CCW/SNH in Wales/ Scotland).

5.    Use experienced ecological consultants and get you licence application in on time.

To ensure that your licence application is submitted on time and is successful, it is wise to use an ecological consultant     that is experienced in European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) applications.

6.    Stick rigidly to the terms of the protected species licence.

Once your licence application is approved, it is important that you follow it to the letter. Natural England (or CCW/SNH)     carry out regular inspections of licenced activity and if a variance is found they have the authority to stop the     development, causing another expensive delay.



If you take these measures and plan for great crested newts, project delays can be avoided and costs minimised.