Great Crested Newt Surveys
Comprehensive surveys for this protected amphibian species, from habitat assessment to eDNA testing.
What This Service Involves
The great crested newt (GCN) is a legally protected amphibian species in the UK. Because it uses both aquatic (pond) and terrestrial (land) habitats and can travel up to around 500 metres from its breeding pond, development and land-use changes may trigger the need for specialist survey work.
Our ecologists provide comprehensive GCN survey services, which typically include:
Our GCN Survey Process
Desk Study & Habitat Review
Identify ponds and suitable habitats within and around your site, and assess whether there is potential for newts to be present.
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment
A daytime check of the pond(s) where required - this helps assess whether a pond is likely to support GCNs based on factors such as water quality, shading, fish presence and surrounding habitat.
Presence / Likely Absence Surveys
Using methods such as torch surveys, egg searches, bottle-trapping, or eDNA water sampling to determine whether GCNs are present.
Detailed Survey Report
Summarising findings, assessing impacts, and recommending next steps (mitigation, licensing, design adjustments).
Licensing & Mitigation Support
If GCNs are found and cannot be avoided, support for licensing and mitigation strategies, helping you comply with legislation and planning requirements.
Why You Might Need a GCN Survey
- Proximity to ponds: If your site is near a pond (commonly within 250-500 metres) or has habitats such as woodland, scrub, rough grassland, log piles or old stone walls, the risk of GCN presence rises.
- Habitat impacts: If your development proposals may impact a pond, modify water flow, disturb terrestrial habitat, or fragment the habitat connectivity that newts rely on, planning authorities are likely to request a survey to assess risk.
- Avoid delays: Failing to undertake required survey work early can result in planning delays, additional costs, or changes to your scheme that may have been avoided with an early survey.
What Our GCN Survey Service Includes
- Full site scoping and assessment of pond/terrestrial habitat context.
- HSI assessment of pond(s) where required.
- Implementation of presence/absence or eDNA surveys within the correct seasonal window.
- Experienced, licensed ecologists conducting field work and interpreting results.
- A clear, professional survey report with findings, impact assessment and recommended actions.
- If newts are present and impacts cannot be avoided: advice or support on mitigation planning, licence application (such as an EPS licence) and how to integrate ecology into your project programme.
Legislation, Policy & Good Practice
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Protects newts, their eggs, breeding sites and resting places.
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Provides for the protection of European Protected Species including the great crested newt.
Good Practice Guidelines
Survey guidelines and licensing frameworks (e.g., for eDNA, presence/absence surveys) must be followed.
The Benefits to You
Early Clarity
You gain clarity early on whether GCN are likely to be present and how your project might be impacted - enabling better planning, cost control and risk management.
Stronger Submissions
A professional survey strengthens your planning submission, demonstrating ecological due diligence to the planning authority.
Avoid Delays
If newts are present, engaging proper survey and mitigation early avoids last-minute delays or licence issues which can be costly.
Actionable Recommendations
You receive actionable recommendations that integrate ecology into your project design rather than leaving it as an afterthought.