Torc Ecology is able to register sites under the Great Crested Newt (GCN) Low Impact Class Licence (LICL). This licence is appropriate for works that are determined to have a low impact on a GCN population and allows for the capture or disturbance of GCN, and/or damage and destruction of their terrestrial habitat, and temporary damage or destruction of resting places or breeding sites in aquatic habitat found in ditches.  Shaun Baker (Director, Torc Ecology) is a qualified Natural England Registered Consultant and can register sites under the GCN LICL.

Although appropriate GCN surveys are still needed, less paperwork is required which significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to prepare the application with the turn-around time being 15 days to register a site as opposed to often significantly more than 30 days to obtain a European Protected Species Licence (EPSL) from Natural England.  The GCN LICL has resulted in lower costs and prevention of significant delays for clients.