What does a reptile survey involve?
A reptile survey will be comprised of various stages. This is in order to:
Establish the presence of reptiles
Find habitats that support reptiles
Understand a relative population size
When referring to reptiles, in particular, locating them can be a tricky business. This is due to their naturally elusive nature, colouring, and behaviour. Even establishing a presence of these reptiles is at times difficult, let alone establishing a population size.
It is important to fully understand the usage of a site by the animal, and for this reason, it is best to contact a professional ecologist sooner rather than later. An ecological surveyor will be able to carry out a reptile survey on site, and advise you on the appropriate steps should reptiles be present.
A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal will establish the potential presence for reptiles. At this point, if species are discovered, then mitigation schemes will be put in place or discussed in order to fully minimise the impact of the development on the reptiles present in the area.
Why should people get a reptile survey done?
From a legal standpoint alone, reptile surveys, where appropriate, will avoid a hefty fine of up to £5000 and a 6 month prison sentence. More widely speaking, ensuring minimal detrimental impact on the few reptile species within the UK can ensure their survival in a time where their numbers and habitats are decreasing due to human activity. Some reptiles are also subject to a national Biodiversity Action Plan, meaning that they are considered species of principal importance.
Reptile survey methodology
The survey methodology will differ depending on the species in question. The reptiles commonly found in the UK in the wild are as follows:
Slow worm
Common lizard
Grass snake
Adder
Smooth snake
Sand lizard
The sand lizard and smooth snake are particularly rare species in the UK. Both species are generally restricted to the southern half of the uk. Sand dunes and heathland are preferred habitats. Reptile surveys for the smooth snake and sand lizard requires a suitably licenced ecologist.
Why do I need a reptile survey?
When new land is acquired for site development, various considerations have to be made to ensure any wildlife or habitats are not impacted or destroyed. An area of concern within the UK is the habitat that supports reptiles that are found in the country.
Reptile habitats are varied, ranging from grassland, to upland heath to coastal sand dunes. This variety can pose a problem, as it is harder to establish or predict where you may find reptiles. Other factors such as external sources will also impact where a reptile inhabits, as sunlight and rock surfaces may also required. These varying factors does not stop reptiles being site loyal, so if you suspect the presence of reptiles, it is best to act sooner rather than later.
The need to identify and protect certain habitats, therefore, should be considered by developers as soon as possible. Due to hefty fines that can be incurred, as reflects the rarity of some of these reptiles, a common solution is to turn to ecology professionals such as Ecology by Design.
When to conduct a reptile survey
Reptiles are active between March and October. As for the rest of the year, most species are in hibernation like state, known as brumation. Bearing this in mind, April, May and September are good times to conduct the relevant surveys as emerging animals will be close to their winter sites. The hotter months can be tricky as many reptiles will likely seek shade and shelter or be most active at the very start and end of the day.
The initial phase 1 survey can take place at any time, as this is an initial assessment of the area – a site visit will usually establish if the habitat is suitable for reptiles or not, and any habitats of ecological importance will be established at this point. A check of local records will also be undertaken to establish known populations.
The second phase of the survey is where time restrictions could come into place. The surveys will also need to consider hibernation periods for reptiles, which is generally between October to March but usually triggered by things such as temperature. Bearing this in mind, it is always best to ensure plans are in place so that Phase 2 can go ahead as and when needs be.
Typical habitats for reptiles include:
Grasslands
Heathland and Moorland
Sand dunes
Open woodland
Brownfield sites
Private gardens
Depending on the species in question, some reptiles will prefer damp areas such as wet heaths, bogs and wetlands.
Reptile Hotspots
Hotspots are locations that offer optimal habitat features such as land that can be used to bask in the sun or a mosaic of different habitats. Areas for basking are particularly important due to reptiles being cold blooded and their survival instinct pushing them towards basking areas. Their bodies cannot generate stable temperatures like mammals or birds (warm blooded animals). By basking in the sun, they raise their internal body temperature to increase their metabolism and assist with core movements. Reptiles will also retreat to shade if they find conditions too hot.
Typical hotspots where you might find reptiles include:
Log piles
Embankments
Stony areas
Edges of woodland
Paths found in denser vegetation
Phase 2 Reptile Survey
Phase 2 is a much more focused part of the survey taking account of geography, topography, habitats and local records.
Artificial reptile refuges are introduced during Phase 2, that, mirror some of the natural conditions used by reptiles in the area to take shelter, or bask in. Refuges are created using sections of tin, roofing felt, carpet tiles or Onduline.
The Phase 2 must take place between April and September, as this is when animals are active.
How to identify types of reptiles
Below we briefly touch on how to identify different types of reptiles, as, depending on the species in question, their behaviour, activity and habitats found may vary.
Common Lizard
Usually a brown shade, with green and black shades, occasionally
Can grow up to 15 cm long
Patterns of spots and stripes are found on the back
Slow Worm
Legless lizard
Can grow up to 50cm long
Skin is smooth and shiny, and they are found in shades of grey, brown, grey and copper
Dark stripes are not uncommon
Females usually have a darker underside
Grass Snake
Found in shades of grey-green with a cream, yellow or light belly
Distinctive yellow and black collar behind the head
Dark markings along side
Grow up to 150 cm long
Adder
UK’s only venomous snake
Males are generally grey with black markings and females light brown with dark brown markings
Zig zag pattern down the back with a ‘V’ or ‘X’ on the head
Reddish iris with typical vertical pupil
Grow up to 60-80 cm long
Sand Lizard
Particularly rare species
Found in shades of brown and grey
In mating season, males display green colours on their sides
Mottling on sides
Grow up to 20 cm long
One of the UK's rarest reptiles
Smooth Snake
Found in shades of brown and grey with a paler body
Usually has two dark rows of dark spots down body and heart shape on the head
Grow up to 60-70 cm long
One of the UK's rarest reptiles
Mitigation
Mitigation plans may be necessary if there is evidence of reptiles present. Mitigation is species specific but needn’t be onerous in most circumstances. Mitigation will seek to prevent the long-term effects of development and will include plans for how to avoid, reduce or manage the impact on the reptile in question. Mitigation for smooth snake and sand lizard may require a licence from Natural England as part of the work.
Mitigation is designed bespoke to each situation so seeking advice from an experienced ecologist early in your proposal is key.
Legislation behind reptiles (punishments for harming, are licenses
required etc.)
All native reptile species receive legal protection in Great Britain under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Common lizard, slow-worm, grass snake and adder are protected against killing, injuring and unlicensed trade only. Sand lizard and smooth snake receive additional protection as “English Protected Species” under the provisions of the Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
All six native species of reptile are included as ‘species of principal importance’ for the purpose of conserving biodiversity under Section 41 (England) of the NERC Act 2006 and Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.
With professional and experienced ecologists on hand, Ecology by Design can deliver efficient ecology surveys with all necessary licences and expertise. If you are in need of a reptile survey or are keen to learn more about our professional ecology services, contact us today.