Reptile Surveys

A walkover involves assessing the habitat onsite for the common reptile species to be present, they often need a mosaic of grassland, scrub, woody edges and or hedging. Bramble scrub tends to be a favorite as this provides shade, sunny areas, shelter and foraging habitat. If the habitat is suitable and there is a reasonable likelihood of reptile species being present then full reptile surveys might be required. 

This involves placing out felt tiles or ‘tins’, so that reptiles can be found. The ‘tins’ are placed in suitable habitat and across the site and are then checked at regular intervals in suitable weather conditions to establish species, population and use of the site.

If found to be present, mitigation and enhancement is designed, followed by trapping the reptiles out of the site to a safe place.

This survey is optimal between April and September (with July and August being sub-optimal). Protected by the wildlife and countryside act 1981 (as amended), it is an offence to knowingly kill common reptiles. 

There are two European protected species (having the same protection as bats, newts, dormouse etc.) with limited ranges in the UK.

This usually in the first instance, starts with designing mitigation and doing a desk based report detailing how this will be undertaken on site. 

The trapping involves installing 'drift fencing and pitfall traps' and once installed and depending on the population size this trapping can last 30 or more days in suitable weather. 

Once there is five clear days with no captures or reptiles seen, the site can be cleared under ecological supervision.