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The Great Crested Newt, like many other species of animal across the country, has been identified by the government as being in decline and is now considered a priority for conservation. This not only means that actions directly influencing the number of great crested newts are illegal but so too are those actions that destroy or otherwise damage their breeding, feeding, or nesting grounds. Their numbers have been diminishing because of the constant threat to their natural habitat and the conservation act aims to prevent this problem from worsening. If you are considering any kind of building work, even an extension to your property you need to ensure that you will not be disrupting the habitat of the Great Crested Newt. One of three varieties of newt in the UK, it can be found throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, and depending on the time of year it can be found in a variety of different environments. There are estimated to be less than 500,000 breeding Great Crested Newts in the country, and as well as ponds and natural waterways, they can also be found in dense undergrowth and long grasses depending on the time of year. As with most conservation acts, it is important to consider whether or not the newt is currently using areas of land you wish to develop or disrupt but it is also vital that you consider their usage of the area throughout the year. A basic newt survey can be acquired for less than £500 and this can be undertaken all year round. However, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to have more in-depth surveys which use bottle trapping and lamping newt survey results to ascertain whether an area is used for breeding or feeding. These can typically only take place during March to June and may cost more. A Great Crest newt survey is essential to ensure that the land you wish to develop or construct on is not used by the newts for breeding or feeding. If you wish to develop on land that is used in this way it may still be possible but it will be necessary to put certain plans in place to provide the newts with alternative land. ArbTech.co.uk is a team of qualified, skilled ecological consultants offering extensive habitat surveys for numerous protected species including the Great Crested Newt.
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