Reptiles

ECOSA have extensive experience in surveying for reptiles to assess for presence, population status and to identify key areas of habitat.

Using our survey data to devise appropriate mitigation strategies, we have successfully implemented mitigation works which include carrying out numerous large-scale exclusion and translocation projects. Mitigation works include the creation, maintenance and management of reptile habitat.

For further details on reptile species, legal protection, survey methods and mitigation, please see links below.

• Species
• Protection Under UK Legislation
• Survey Timing and Methods
• Phase 1 Survey
• Phase 2 Survey
• Reptile Translocation
• Links

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 1994 which makes it it illegal to carry out the following activities:

Survey Timing and Methods

Phase 1 and 2 reptile surveys are carried out between March and October, with peak survey seasons being April-June and September-October.

Phase 1 Survey

The Phase 1 survey involves distributing reptile refugia across a site in areas considered suitable for supporting populations of reptiles, such as areas of rough grassland, woodland edges and ditch lines. The refugia consist of tin or sheets of roofing felt measuring approximately 0.25m². 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.

The standard methodology for a presence/likely absence survey recommends a minimum of seven inspections, based on a refugia density of up to minimum of 10 per hectare.

Phase 2 Survey

If reptiles are identified during the Phase 1 survey it will be necessary to carry out Phase 2 population studies which involve prolonged inspections of refugia over a longer time period (preferably a year). The standard methodology recommends up to 20 visits to make a reasonable assessment of population based on a refugia density of up to 10 per hectare.

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

 

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