There are 3 native newt species found in the UK. The Great Crested Newt (GCN) is the largest and least common and although widespread throughout the UK, their numbers are very low in the rest of Europe. As a result, they are classed as a European Protected Species, receiving a high level of protection.
The Ecology Co-operation can conduct both Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments and presence/absence surveys. HSI assessments use a points system to rate the potential for GCN to be breeding within a pond, ditch or lake, but can only be used as a rough indicator and only precludes a presence/absence survey if a pond receives an exceptionally low score.
A presence/absence survey can only be conducted by a Natural England licensed surveyor and must be carried out between mid-March and mid-June during suitable weather conditions. The techniques used include bottle trapping, egg searching, torch surveying and netting methods.
Services are also provided for translocating newts, erecting newt proof fencing and submitting protected species licenses.
What time of the year do great crested newt (gcn) survey take place?
Although widespread throughout the UK, the numbers of great crested newts are very low in the rest of europe. As a result, they are classed as a european protected species.