Reptiles

Reptiles

Thomson Ecology are highly experienced in reptile surveys and ecological mitigation for reptiles.The earlier you contact us, the earlier we can advise you, thus reducing the risk of any delays to your project.

Reptile ecology and conservation status

There are six British reptile species that can be encountered on a development site. The four commonly found are the adder (Vipera berus), the grass snake (Natrix natrix), the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) and the slow worm (Anguis fragilis). The other two species less commonly found are the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) and the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). The commonly found reptiles favour coarse grassland and scrub. Grass snakes also like ponds.
Reptiles generally hibernate from November through to March, becoming active again as temperatures rise. Mating occurs in spring with live young being produced by the adder, smooth snake, common lizard and slow worm from late summer. By contrast, the grass snake and sand lizard lay eggs from early summer with young hatching from late summer to early autumn. The main prey of both the adder and smooth snake are small mammals and other reptiles. Amphibians and fish dominate the diet of the grass snake, which is essentially an aquatic species. Invertebrates are the main prey of all three lizard species.
Many species of reptiles are in decline and according to recent studies by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) two-fifths of all reptile species are disappearing.

Reptile protection and legislation

All reptiles are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to kill them if this can reasonably be avoided. They are also identified as Priority species in the UKBAP and, as such, have been adopted as Species of Principal Importance in the UK.

Government policy is that local authorities should protect reptiles from the adverse effects of development. The habitats of common reptiles are not specifically protected, however, an obligation to replace reptile habitat may still come through the planning system as reptiles captured from a development site still have to be released somewhere. Releasing reptiles into unsuitable habitat could constitute an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Reptile licences and reptile surveys

The presence of reptiles can lead to planning permission being refused unless you can clearly demonstrate that the species will be adequately protected during the development process, that disturbance will be kept to a minimum and that an adequate alternative habitat can be provided to, at least, sustain the existing reptile population.  It is therefore a good idea to include a method statement with any planning application that will affect reptiles, outlining how the reptiles will be protected both during and after the development.
Protected species licences are required for the smooth snake and sand lizard, although these are not commonly found on development sites.

Reptile mitigation

Reptile mitigation is seasonally constrained, relatively time consuming and may encompass a lengthy lead-in period. If it cannot be avoided then reptile mitigation should scheduled into the construction programme as early as possible.
Reptiles can be captured and moved to another suitable site using reptile proof fencing and artifical refugia. Current guidelines indicate that the trapping programme should last for a minimum of two months depending on the species and the size of population. It is critical that the receptor site is suitable and ready for the translocated reptiles.

Reptile survey and mitigation Timings

Reptile calendar


For more information on reptile surveys and help with your project, please call us on 01483 466000

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