Reptiles

Reptiles

Species

There are six species of reptile found in the UK, which include sand lizard, common lizard, slow-worm, grass snake, smooth snake and adder:

Protection Under UK Legislation

All common reptile species (grass snakes, adders, common lizards and slow worms) native to Britain are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

This legislation makes it illegal to intentionally kill or injure a common reptile. As a result, reptiles must be removed from areas of development and relocated onto suitable release sites before any site works can commence.

In addition sand lizard and smooth snake are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats,&c.) Regulations makes it illegal to carry out the following activities:

Deliberately or recklessly disturb, capture or kill these animals,
Deliberately or recklessly take or destroy eggs of these animals;
Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such a wild animal;
Keep, transport, sell or exchange, or offer for sale or exchange, any live or dead animal, or any part of, or anything derived from such a wild animal.

Survey Timing and Methods

Phase I and II reptile surveys are carried out between March and October, with peak survey seasons being April-June and September-October.

Phase I Survey

The Phase I survey involves distributing reptile refugia across a site in areas considered suitable for reptiles, such as areas of rough grassland, woodland edges and ditch lines.

The refugia consist of tin or sheets of roofing felt measuring approximately 50cm2. The refugia warm faster than the surrounding environment and reptiles, being ‘cold’ blooded habitually use them to warm their bodies.

The refugia are then inspected by a qualified ecologist at regular intervals during warm but not hot conditions, usually when there is some cloud cover with sunny spells.

Phase II Survey

If reptiles are identified during the Phase I survey it will be necessary to carry out Phase II population studies which involve prolonged inspections of refugia over a longer time period (preferably a year).

Reptile Translocation

Should it be determined that an impact form the development will arise, then it may be necessary to translocate reptiles from the development area. Receptor sites must be identified prior to the translocation exercise. Receptor sites are normally located close to the existing reptile habitat. It may be necessary to implement some habitat management to support the translocated reptiles. Habitat management may involve the creation of habitat piles, removal of scrub or creation of artificial refugia.

Reptile translocation works involve the use of reptile fencing to isolate the current reptile population for translocation and prevent recolonisation of the site. In accordance with the Herptofauna Workers Handbook either five consecutive site visits with no reptile records is required before the site can be considered clear, or in the opinion of the qualified ecologist suitable effort has been expended in removing reptiles from the site.

Links

Natural England

Herptofauna Conservation Trust

Disclaimer

Although we have taken great care to ensure that our information and advice is correct, we cannot accept any responsibility for any incorrect information, loss or damage incurred arising from the use of the information published on our web site. For further advice, detailed surveys and quotations please contact ECOSA.

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