An initial survey is generally carried out to ascertain whether the site and/or immediate surrounding area have the potential to accommodate a reptile population. This survey can be generally carried out at any time of year and may be undertaken as part of a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA). Should the site have potential to accommodate reptiles, a reptile refugia survey may be necessary to help determine if reptiles are present on site. This involves the distribution of artificial reptile refugia across the site in areas considered suitable for reptiles. The refugia are then inspected by a suitably experienced ecologist at intervals during suitable weather conditions to determine species presence.
Further surveys, including population determination surveys, are designed around the species encountered and may require a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) if sand lizards or smooth snake are present and/or an appropriate working Method Statement.
Timing of surveys:
initial site suitability survey - can be carried out at any time of year and may be undertaken as part of a PEA;
presence/absence reptile surveys – March to October inclusive, although the best months to detect presence are generally March to June and in September; and
additional surveys - if reptiles are identified during the presence/absence survey it may be necessary to carry out further specialist or population determination surveys.
Mitigation
Mitigation for reptiles may involve sensitive clearance of a site proposed for works, including strimming vegetation down low to encourage reptiles out of the working area. Specialist reptile fencing can then be erected to stop reptiles from moving back into a cleared area. For large areas, it may be necessary to trap and translocate reptiles off the site to another site that has suitable habitat or has been enhanced for this group of animals.
Legislation
Common lizard, slow worm, adder and grass snake are afforded protection under Schedule 5 of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) (as amended) making it illegal to kill or injure these animals. Sand lizard and smooth snake are protected under the WCA 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it illegal to kill, injure, capture, disturb or handle these animals. Areas they use for shelter, resting, breeding and protection are also protected from being damaged or destroyed and it is also illegal to obstruct these animals from using these areas.
The above information is based on standard guidelines. Every site is unique so please contact a Torc Ecology consultant who will advise on the best survey approach in relation to the project requirements.