England has three native snake species: Adder, Grass Snake and Smooth Snake, and three native lizard species: Slow worms, Common Lizard and Sand Lizard.

In addition, at least two further species of non-native lizards are now present in some locations: the Wall Lizard and the Green Lizard.

Whilst native reptiles are “protected species” with smooth snakes and sand lizards fully protected by European Legislation and the remaining species protected under British legislation, the non-natives are not protected. Indeed, if one of them were captured during a translocation, it would be illegal to release it back into the wild…

In general terms, reptile surveys “normally” take place from April to September inclusive. In some areas, July and August are sub-optimal because it is too hot, although to some extent this is weather-dependent.

The need for a reptile survey is normally flagged following a habitat survey, but it can also result from neighbours concerned about your development.

If reptiles are proven to be present, it will be necessary to mitigate against harm, injury or death. In essence, this can be distilled down to:

• Retaining sufficient habitat on site for the population to remain in situ, or
• Find an alternative location and have the population translocated

Different rules apply to the sand lizard and the smooth snake.

The process of conducting a presence/absence survey can, on occasion, be completed in 2 to 3 months. However, if the reptile population requires translocation, the LPA will need to agree to the new location, and habitat improvement works are almost inevitable, which can take time, along with the time required to capture the population and transport it.

It is never too soon to start preparation for surveying – as the adage goes, ‘fail to plan, and you plan to fail’

Please contact us for a site-specific quotation –

admin@ecological-surveys-ltd.co.uk

Please call us on 0800 888 6846 / 07736 458609