Reptile Survey

If you are planning a development project that could impact suitable reptile habitat or reptile species themselves, a reptile survey will need to be conducted in order for your development or planning application to proceed.

Reptile Survey services from licensed ecologists.

Ecology by Design has extensive experience in conducting small to large-scale reptile surveys for common and widespread species as well as rare reptile species requiring the specialist skills of our licensed surveyors. We use this data to develop appropriate mitigation strategies for reptile species for a given project. If reptiles are identified at a site and the scheme cannot be altered to avoid an impacts on them, we have a range of experience in the creation of bespoke reptile receptor sites, translocation of reptiles, securing licences for rare reptile species or non-licensed methods as agreed with the local planning authority.

Why and when do you need a reptile survey?

There are six native species of reptiles found in the UK. All native British reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This makes it illegal to intentionally kill or injure any native British reptile species.

The sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) are European Protected Species and receive additional legal protection to the above and are also protected against disturbance and from damage or destruction of their habitats.

A reptile survey may be required to support a planning application if there is potential for reptiles to be present on or near to a proposed development site. A reptile survey and report can help your project go ahead as planned and will be needed to apply for planning permission if there is any chance reptiles and their habitats will be affected.

The usual ‘trigger’ for a reptile survey requirement is a request from your planning consultant, architect or the local authority so it can be submitted with a planning application. Reptile surveys may also be recommended as the result of an ecological scoping survey or preliminary ecological appraisal.

What does a reptile survey entail?

An assessment of habitat suitability for reptiles and the need for reptile surveys is often established via ecological scoping or a preliminary ecological appraisal.

Reptile surveys involve a combination of visual checks for reptiles and inspection under naturally occurring or artificial refugia to determine presence or absence. Reptile surveys normally take up to eight visits to complete (one to setup and then seven to check for reptiles). These checks also give an indication of population size if reptiles are using the site. If rare reptiles are present, the surveys will inform the need for a licence for a development proposal affecting sand lizard or smooth snake.

Reptile Survey Timing

Reptile surveys can be undertaken between April and September, although surveys can be impacted by extreme high and low temperatures so surveys in July and August are sometimes suboptimal.