Reptile Surveys
Specialist surveys for UK native reptile species to assess presence, population status and support your planning application.
What This Service Involves
The UK is home to six native reptile species: the common (viviparous) lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, and the rarer sand lizard and smooth snake. All are protected under UK legislation: the common species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the rarer species receive additional protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
If your site or development proposal includes habitat that could support reptiles (such as rough grassland, heathland, scrub, woodland edges, brownfield land, ditches or banks) then a specialist reptile survey may be required. Our ecologists deliver a full reptile survey service to assess presence or absence, evaluate population status and support your planning or design process.
UK Native Reptile Species
Common Lizard
Slow Worm
Grass Snake
Adder
Sand Lizard*
Smooth Snake*
* Rarer species with additional legal protection
Why You Might Need a Reptile Survey
- Suitable habitat: Your site has habitats suitable for reptiles (e.g., open sunny spots, log or brash piles, rough grass, heathland, woodland edge).
- Local records: You are adjacent to or include known records of reptiles in the locality (so there's a reasonable likelihood of presence).
- Habitat change: Your proposed development involves habitat change (clearance, landscaping, earthworks) that might disturb reptile habitat, connectivity or hibernation/hibernacula areas.
- Risk management: You want to manage risk: If reptile presence is overlooked early, it could lead to planning delays, additional mitigation, redesign or increased cost.
What Our Reptile Survey Service Includes
Habitat Suitability Assessment and Desk Study
We review existing records, habitat mapping, and site context to evaluate whether reptiles may be present.
Presence / Likely-Absence Survey
We deploy artificial refugia (e.g., roofing felt, metal sheets) and perform visual inspections over multiple visits in the active season (typically April-May and September).
Population Size Class Assessment
If reptiles are confirmed present, this can be required to guide mitigation/design.
Report and Recommendations
We prepare a clear report summarising survey methods, findings, mapping of reptile records/refugia, impact assessment of your development proposals, and advice on mitigation/avoidance or licensing if needed.
Optional Follow-Up Support
If required we can assist with mitigation design (exclusion fencing, translocation, receptor site advice) and monitoring.
Legislation, Policy & Good Practice
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Protects native reptile species (injury, killing, sale etc.).
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Applies especially to the rarer sand lizard and smooth snake.
Natural England Standing Advice
Guidance for reptiles and development: when surveys are needed, how to assess, and how to ensure compliance.
Good Practice
Survey timing, methods and integration with planning. Surveys should avoid hibernation periods and be done under favourable weather and activity conditions.
The Benefits to You
Clear Understanding
Gain clear understanding of whether reptiles are present on site, their likely status and what the implications are for your project.
Informed Decisions
Helps you make informed decisions early - about layout, habitat retention, timing of works, cost-management - reducing surprises later.
Stronger Submissions
Strengthens your planning submissions by providing robust ecological evidence, demonstrating due diligence and meeting regulator expectations.
Efficient Mitigation
Enables integration of efficient mitigation or avoidance, so that the project can proceed with a lower ecological risk and smoother consenting.