Acer Ecology has recently undertaken surveys for great crested newts in Bristol.
There are three native species of newt in the UK. Of these, the great crested newt is fully protected under UK and EU law. This means that it is an offence to:
- kill;
- capture;
- disturb; or
- damage or destroy their ponds.
This protection extends to the habitats which support great crested newts. It is generally assumed that they may be present within a terrestrial habitat which is within 500m of a pond that they use for breeding.
Surveys for great crested newts are seasonally constrained to the period mid-March to mid-June when great crested newts are present in their breeding ponds. Outside of this season, terrestrial surveys using drift fencing and pitfall traps can be undertaken to determine their presence in terrestrial habitats.
It is, therefore, crucial to identify the presence of great crested newts at an early stage in the planning process, in order to avoid timely and costly delays.
We are able to provide our services across Bristol, as well as the surrounding counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire.
For more information about great crested newt surveys, or regarding any of our other ecological services, please call us on 02920 650331, or email us at enquiries@acerecology.co.uk.
Further information about great crested newts can be found in our articles Get The “Newt” Know How On Great Crested Newt Surveys, Great Crested Newts – How We Can Help You and A Year in the Life of a Great Crested Newt.
