The survey window for conducting great crested surveys using traditional methods such as bottle trapping may have passed. But did you know you can still confirm the presence or absence of great crested newts using eDNA sampling up to the end of June?
This means you still have time to comply with important species-protection legislation, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
What is eDNA sampling?
Middlemarch has partnered with SureScreen Scientifics, UK forensic ecology specialists, to provide eDNA assessments of your pond water that are quicker, more definitive and more sustainable than the traditional method.
By sampling the DNA content in the water, we can give you a ‘present/not present’ assessment in just one visit from our ecology consultants, rather than catching and counting newts in containers over four visits.
Once that assessment has been made, we can then help you with licencing applications and habitat mitigation to keep you on the right side of the legislation.
Environmental impact
Chris Blackhall, Ecology Project Manager, said: “Middlemarch is the largest environment consultancy in the UK owned by a Wildlife Trust, so when it comes to great crested newt surveys, we take our own environmental impact seriously.
“Not only are eDNA surveys a fast and efficient service for our clients, but they also help the environment by cutting the number of vehicle journeys our consultants have to make to their sites.”
According to Chris, the UK is a significant area for great crested newts within Europe. But ponds – their natural habitat – saw a 50% decline in numbers nationally over the course of the last century, reducing the figture to an estimated 500,000 locations.
Tightly controlled
He added: “This may seem like a large number on the face of it, but great crested newts will only travel about 100 metres or so from their original breeding pond. Developments are tightly controlled because any loss of a pond or green corridor connecting newts to a pond would be highly damaging to the population.
“This is reflected in numerous pieces of legislation whereby owners and developers face delays, fines and even criminal proceedings in extreme cases should loss of habitat be proved.”
Find out more
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Guidance
Need some advice and support about surveying species, including great crested newts? Simply fill in our form here and we will get in touch.
Talk to us
Our qualified environment consultants are happy to discuss your requirements over the phone prior to instruction. We’ll provide you with clear and concise advice in an understandable, no-nonsense way. Please contact us on 01676 525 880.
