Reptile Survey and Mitigation

Introduction

We have extensive experience in undertaking reptile surveys and mitigation on a variety of sites for residential, commercial and industrial development, including road widening. We are able to assist with every aspect of reptile work from the initial survey right through to translocating reptiles.

 

 

 

 

Why are reptile surveys needed?

All six reptile species are fully protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and rare reptiles (smooth snake and sand lizard) also receive legal protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (‘Habitat Regulations’). Smooth snakes and sand lizards have a very restricted range of small populations in the South of England.

 

Any development work that has the potential to injure/kill reptiles and/or impact on reptile habitat will require a reptile survey to be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist. If impacts are unavoidable, we compile a mitigation plan and translocation programme to allow the development to continue lawfully.

What does a reptile survey entail?

Reptile surveys can be carried out in dry weather with temperatures above 9 degrees celcius between March and September. Surveys are carried out by setting out artificial refuiga formed of roofing materials, such as felt or corrugated sheet, on site before these are checked for reptiles on seven occassions, typically over a period of approximately one month.

 

 

Mitigation

It is possibble to mitigate the impact of development projects or land management on reptiles.  Reptile mitigation follows the following procedure:

1. If reptiles are shown to be present by surveys, the allocation and survey of a reptile translocation site (ideally on-site and incorporated into the development but may be suitable habitat off site).

2. Enhancement of a reptile translocation site.

3. Erection of reptile fencing and translocation of reptiles.

4. Monitoring of the translocated population. 

 

We are able to assist and advise on all these aspects of reptile survey, mitigation and habitat management

John Wenman Ecological Consultancy 

1 Diesel House, Honey Hill

Wokingham

Berkshire RG40 3BL

0118 327 1810