How are great crested newt surveys carried out?

The preferred method of surveying for great crested newts is by pond surveys. Pond surveys are carried out between March and mid June which is when adult GCN return to the ponds to mate. There are two types of pond survey the first is Presence / Absence survey. The pond is visited on 4 occasions in suitable weather conditions to establish the presence or absence of great crested newts. The second type of pond survey is the Population size class assessment. The pond is visited on six occasions in order to determine the number of newts using the pond in order to make an estimation of the size of population which will be affected by the development.

Great Crested Newt Surveys

Why carry out Great Crested Newt Surveys?

The great crested newt (GCN) and its habitat are protected by law because the species has declined significantly, largely down to the loss of suitable habitat. Planning authorities have to take GCN into account when assessing an application and can refuse planning permission because of the potential adverse effect on great crested newts and their habitats. It should be noted that developments which are not subject to planning permission are also subject to the legislation.
GCN survey work should be done well in advance of your development, as newt surveys can only be done at certain times of the year. Early indication that GCN are present on your site will allow you to factor in the potential costs and properly plan the timing of your development. Natural England requires up to date survey information to support EPS licence applications.

The field methods used to survey ponds are:

1. Bottle trapping
2. Egg search
3. Torch surveys
4. Netting

Natural England recommend using at least three of the methods outlined below when conducting a pond survey. An explanation of each method can be found below.

Bottle trapping involves setting bottle traps around the edges of the pond at 2m intervals at dusk. The newts swim into the trap but are unable to get back out. The traps are left in overnight and raised in the morning, the number of newts caught is recorded, belly pattern photographs are taken and the newts are released back into the pond. Bottle trapping is considered to be the most reliable method for detecting the presence of newts in a water body. The newts only have a limited amount of air in the bottle trap and care must be taken to ensure their welfare.

Egg search involves searching the submerged aquatic vegetation in the pond for GCN eggs and egg folds. The female great crested newt lays her eggs singly and folds the leaf around them with her back legs to protect them from predation. Egg searching is a good indicator of GCN presence and also that the pond is used for breeding. Egg searching can be difficult in ponds which have a large amount of vegetation and small populations of newts. Artificial egg strips can be used in ponds which have little or no vegetation.

Torch Surveys involve shining a powerful torch into the pond at night and slowly walking the pond edge recording any amphibians seen. In clear ponds this can be a good method of detecting and counting newts. High wind and ponds with poor visibility due to water quality or the presence of pond weed can affect the results.

Netting involves using a long handled net to sample the pond for newts. This can either be done in daylight or in the evening. Captured newts are counted and then released back in to the pond. At least 15 minutes of netting per 50m of shoreline is recommended.

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More information

Herpetological Conservation Trust
http://www.herpconstrust.org.uk/animals/great_crested_newt.htm

Natural England

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

Related Species

• Great Crested Newt
• Water Vole