bat surveys yorkshire
Great crested newts

great crested newts in trapThe ecologists at Oatlands Ecology are licensed great crested newt surveyors with a wealth of experience successfully applying for EPS Mitigation Licences. 
We can:
• Determine at an early stage whether a development is likely to have an impact on great crested newts
• Carry out great crested newt surveys
• Successfully apply for Great Crested Newt Mitigation Licences
• Design and execute measures to prevent or mitigate against impacts to great crested newts

Ecology
Great crested newts are the UKs largest newt (there are 3 native species) and can grow up to 17cm long. They typically breed in medium-sized ponds although are frequently found in many other types of water body (e.g. ditches and water filled quarries). They do not necessarily require pristine water quality and are able to thrive in urban and post-industrial areas.

Legislation
Great crested newts are a European Protected Species and are fully protected, along with thier habitat (aquatic and terrestrial) under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. It is an offence to kill, injure or disturb this species or impact upon their habitat without the relevant EPS Mitigation Licence.

They are listed as a Species of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 and are a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species.  Local planning authorities therefore have a legal duty to consider impacts to great crested newt as a result of any development prior to granting planning permission.

See our Survey Calendar for optimal survey and mitigation times