Great crested newts are one of the most protected species in the UK and can have a significant impact on development proposals.
The presence of ponds within or near a site often triggers the need for further assessment following a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
Initial assessments may include a Habitat Suitability Index evaluation, followed by presence or absence surveys where appropriate.
Surveys typically take place between mid-March and mid-June and may involve methods such as eDNA testing or traditional survey techniques.
If newts are present, mitigation measures or licensing will be required before development can proceed.
Early identification and planning are essential to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
