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Six species of reptile ("cold-blooded", usually egg-laying vertebrates) are native to the UK. Adder (Vipera berus), grass snake (Natrix natrix), common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) and slow worm (Anguis fragilis) are the more common species which are often a consideration in planning and development projects. These reptile species receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect of deliberate, intentional or reckless killing and injuring. Less commonly encountered species of reptile include sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca), which have much more specialist habitat requirements and more restricted range. These are European Protected Species, protected under the Habitat Regulations 1994. All species of reptile hibernate during the winter, and are most active during the spring and summer. The more common species of reptile are often found around areas which include a mosaic of habitats such as grassland, scrub and bare ground. They may also be found in less natural habitats, such as Brownfield sites (i.e. previously developed land). The timing of surveys for reptiles is seasonally constrained, the optimal times being between April and September, when reptiles are active and unlikely to be hibernating. Surveys undertaken outside of these optimal times may be considered inconclusive. GreenLink Ecology Ltd has substantial experience in surveying for reptiles, along with trapping, translocation and mitigation schemes. If you think reptiles may be a constraint to your project, or have been asked to commission a reptile survey by the Local Planning Authority, contact us. |
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