The decline of reptile species in the UK and the fragmentation of their habitat has meant that certain species of reptiles, including sand lizards and smooth Snake, have the full protection of Wildlife and Country side act (1981). The requirements for reptile surveys that assess the occupation of development areas are thus a necessity in any planning developments.

Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) have a wealth of experienced ecologists that have conducted reptile surveys followed by successful mitigation schemes that meet its clients ecological obligations and commercial needs in a cost effective and pragmatic way.

SES also has a specialist in house implentation team with expert ecological training allowing them to carry out works on sensitive sites. With experience in installing various exclusion fencing systems, hibernacula creation, habitat enhancements, habitat manipulation and working under ecological method statements.

Ecology and Habitat of UK Snakes, Lizards and other reptiles

Britain has 6 native reptile species that are distributed throughout mainland Britain. They are the Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara), Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), Slow- Worm (Anguis fragilis), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix), Adder (Vipera berus) and Smooth Snake (Coroneela austriaca).

Reptiles can be encountered in a wide range of habitats (except Sand Lizards) including heathland, rough and tussocky grassland, hedge rows, woodland edges, quarries, urban areas, road side verges, railway embankments and waste land areas; with the 3 snake species also found in boggy areas. Sand Lizards have more specific habitat requirements such as heath land sites and sand dune systems. They all require access to sunny patches with access to ground cover.

Reptiles are generally active from early spring to late autumn and enter a period of hibernation when the temperature drops through the winter months. During active periods these cold blooded animals spend much of their time basking in the sun to raise their body temperature before hunting for prey. Invertebrates form the major part of the Lizard species’ diet, whilst Grass snakes will feed on amphibians and the Smooth Snake and Adder prefer lizards and small mammals.

Legal Status and Protection of Reptiles in the UK

While most of Britain’s reptile species can live in a wide variety of habitats they are generally in decline and are therefore at risk; with the Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard suffering significant declines over recent decades. These declines in reptile populations can be attributed to loss and fragmentation of their habitats due to activities such as agriculture, general development and forestry. A reptile survey is required before planning permission can be granted to any developments.

Common Lizards, Slow Worms, Grass Snakes and Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) they are listed as a schedule 5 species therefore part of Section 9(1) and section 9(5) apply; the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) also strengthens their protection.

It is offence to:

If a proposed development is likely to have an impact on these reptiles the statutory nature conservation organisation must be consulted.

The rare Sand lizard and Smooth Snake receive 'full protection' under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) Section 9 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007; the Sand Lizard and Smooth Snake are listed on Schedule 2 thus regulation39 applies. Read together it is an offence:

The maximum fine per offence is £5000 and if more than one animal is involved, the fine is £5000 per animal (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Section 21) The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) amendment contains a provision for a custodial sentence of up to 6 months instead of, or in addition to, a fine. Along with a lengthy development delay until appropriate mitigation has been agreed and completed.

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC) lists all reptile species as a species of principle importance under Section 41. Section 40 requires every public body in the exercising of its functions ‘have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity’ (all biodiversity and not just section 41 species and habitats) ; therefore making reptiles a material consideration in the planning process and requiring a detailed ecological reptile survey before planning permission can be granted. In addition, local authority planning departments should also meet the requirements of the Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9); which requires planners not only to protect biodiversity, but where possible to enhance it.

The Requirements of a Reptile Survey

Survey timings for reptiles normally range from March till October. For Common Lizards, Slow Worms, Adders and Grass Snakes SES ecologists would conduct a site assessment visit which will tell you the likelihood of reptiles occurring on your site and their impact on your proposed activities. If deemed necessary a reptile presence or likely absence survey would be conducted following Natural England approved guidelines; if presence is confirmed a population assessment is carried out to guide mitigation strategies.

Surveying for Smooth Snakes and Sand Lizards would involve ‘disturbance’ and therefore contravene its strict protective legislation thus a Natural England licence would be required which are held by experienced SES ecologists.

Reptile Mitigation

If mitigation is required an SES ecologist would design a pragmatic mitigation scheme which could involve a combination of hand catching reptiles under refugia and translocating the animals to an on/off site receptor habitat; and using exclusion fencing systems and habitat manipulation to restrict the movement of animals and thus achieve a ‘clear’ site. Mitigation schemes always include enhancement works and often involve longer term habitat management commitments, especially with large populations of animals. The most effective time to undertake reptile translocations is between April and late June and again between August and late September, although translocation works can be undertaken outside of these optimal periods.

If you would like to find out more about our Consultancy or any of the other service(s) that Southern Ecological Solutions provide, then please don’t hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements further . You can also call us direct on 01245 475565.