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Civils & Soft Landscaping Spring Eco-Opportunities
not to be missed - Think Newts! The Spring season is packed with key dates and eco-opportunities for developers to get ahead, yet year on year many in the industry fail to take the initiative and suffer expensive consequences - James B. Lloyd, Managing Director, The Herpetsoure Group
There are many protected animal species which we are obliged to consider, but particularly at this time of year developer’s attention should be drawn to European Protected species’ the Great Crested Newt (GCN)!
It’s a given that through the course of the year there will be projects delayed by GCN; after all, despite recent declines of this species, England is thought to support a significant number of newt breeding sites on a European scale, and therefore their appearance on Green and Brownfield developments is extremely frequent.
Some developers are surprised to be told that they need a newt survey on their seemingly concrete-covered and inhospitable site; but what is often not realised is that if ponds capable of supporting GCN are found nearby (within 500 metres) a survey may be necessary before planning approval can be given. With ecology, often what surrounds the site is as important as what is on it! Recent advice from Natural England has opened the door for survey areas to be reduced but this is very dependent on the type and nature of the proposed development. This is something a good ecological consultant will advise on.
The big questions are - Where do I start and how do I know what surveys I have to do?
The first step is always a Phase One Habitat and Protected Animal Species Survey; this can be done at any time of year and is designed to map the potential habitat features in and around your site. This information gives developers their first insight as to what protected species could affect their project and prescribe which further ‘species specific’ surveys are going to be required moving forward. A Phase One survey usually asks more questions than it answers and in 99.9% of cases will not be sufficient to support a planning application.
If this survey indicates a potential GCN population you will need a GCN survey. If this is you then make a start now; GCN surveys can only be carried out between Mid-March and Mid-June (with a number of visits having to be carried out before Mid-May) and missing this window will mean a 12 month wait before you can get planning.
The simple message is this; if you don’t have a Phase One Habitat Survey, you need one; if you have one, and potential newt habitats have been identified you need to get your GCN survey completed before the survey window closes, so don’t delay.
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