Reptile Surveys
An approximate distribution map for each species can bee seen by clicking on the species names above. Each of these species has a preferred habitat type in which they will be most commonly found, however all reptiles require warm and well connected sites.
Reptiles and the Law:
All UK reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), meaning it is an offence to kill, injure or trade any native reptile.
In addition to this, the Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard are European protected species, and so offered further protection under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Under this piece of legislation it is an offence to capture, posses, disturb, kill, injure or trade these two species.
Reptile Survey and Report
Once a site has been identified as containing good reptile habitat, up to 5 site visits are required, during optimum conditions to determine presence/absence, population size and species. Surveys will involve visual searches and looking under artificial refugia (1 x 1 squares of roofing felt and corrugated metal). Surveying these species is constrained by the time of year, as well as weather and time of day. Should reptiles be found, steps must be taken to carefully and safely relocate them to a suitable site away from development. This can be a lengthy process and so identifying the presence of reptiles on your site as soon as possible is crucial. Our reports will aim to determine the presence/absence of reptiles at your site, and should reptiles be found, provide advice and recommendations on how best to proceed with development.
Reptile Survey Timeline:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | O | O | S | S | S | O | S |
| Key | |
|---|---|
| Optimal | O |
| Sub-Optimal | S |