Reptile Surveys

Ecology

There are six species of reptile native to the UK, three lizard species; Common Lizard, Sand Lizard and Slow-worm and three snake species; Adder, Grass Snake and Smooth Snake. Reptiles are found in a wide range of habitats including heaths, moors, rough grassland and woodland edges.

Survey Methods

Reptiles are most active in late spring and late summer; hibernation occurs between November and February. Reptile surveys therefore can take place from March to October, with late spring (April-June) and September being the best time to survey. During these months the best times to survey are morning (8.30am-11am) and early evening (4pm-6.30pm). Survey times can be limited by high temperatures in July/August, because reptiles will consequently spend less time basking.

Weather conditions are also another factor influencing survey. It is best to survey when air temperatures are between 9 and 18°C, with rainy or windy conditions being unsuitable for survey. The different types of survey methods are as follows:

• Direct observation: Experienced ecologists can visually search for basking reptiles in suitable habitats.
• Artificial refuges: Materials such as corrugated iron, roofing felt and carpet tiles are placed in potential reptile ‘hotspots’. These refuges provide shelter from predation and aid the reptile to absorb heat. This method works well for slow-worms and snakes but is less effective for lizards.

Survey Type

• Presence/Absence survey: To determine the presence or absence of reptiles, seven survey visits (less if found earlier) must be conducted in suitable weather conditions.

Protection & Legislation

Common Lizard, slow worm, adder and grass snake are all protected under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 against injuring, killing or selling. Only the sand lizard and smooth snake are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (section 9) and Regulation 9 of the EU Habitats Regulations 1994 against killing, injuring, capture, damaging or destroying a breeding or resting site, intentionally obstructing access to a place used for shelter, keeping, transporting or selling. This means that not only are the animals themselves protected but so are their habitats. For development sites in England, Wales or Scotland, to avoid prosecution under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), wherever works will impact on slow worms, common lizards, adders and/or grass snakes there must be evidence that every reasonable effort was made to avoid breaking the law – including proof of adequate surveys and mitigation plans. Mitigation measures should, ideally, be agreed with the relevant SNCO.

Licensing & Mitigation

If reptiles are found on site, planning must incorporate the following:

• Protection of reptiles from any harm that might arise during the development work;
• And to ensure that sufficient quality, quantity and connectivity of habitat is provided to accommodate the reptile population, either on site or at an alternative site, with no net loss of local reptile conservation status.

To achieve the above aims appropriate mitigation must be implemented. This will typically involve some of the following:

• Translocation: Moving reptiles to a receptor site permanently or temporally while development work takes place. This will involve capturing and removing all of the reptiles from the development site before works can commence.
• Fencing: If reptiles are to be kept on site during development works, they should be fenced in an area of the site which is not proposed for development; in order to prevent disturbance.
• Habitat creation: Post development habitat creation may involve construction of hibernaculum or log piles and areas of grassland.

If development works may affect sand lizards/smooth snakes or their habitat, a development licence must be granted from DEFRA.

Contact Abricon for free initial advice on reptile surveys