Reptiles
Translocating reptiles can be a key requirement of mitigation - moving Britain's only venomous snake, the adder, requires specially trained staff and appropriate protective equipment
The four widespread species of British reptile - grass snake, slow-worm, adder and common lizard - are legally protected and commonly encountered during developments. Mitigation can involve substantial effort to trap and move animals off-site prior to construction, and both survey and mitigation are seasonally constrained to spring and late summer. We recommend reptile issues are tackled early on during your project.
Mitigation typically involves barrier-fencing target areas, then trapping and translocating caught animals to pre-prepared receptor sites.
The much rarer smooth snake and sand lizard are fully protected and require a European protected species licence from Natural England if a development affects them or their habitat. Applications must be accompanied by a 'method statement' describing how the population will be conserved post-development.
Our ecologists have considerable experience in reptile survey and mitigation, and we are able to advise on statutory requirements, mitigation options and timing of development works.