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Reptile Survey
At Castell Ecology we have extensive experience of surveying for reptiles and mitigating the impacts of development activity. The suitability of site habitats for reptiles will be assessed during our Preliminary Ecological Appraisal which will inform the need for any further survey work.
Survey

​Surveys to confirm the presence or likely absence of reptiles typically involves a combination of looking for basking animals in areas of suitable habitat and setting and checking artificial refugia (trays of roofing felt or tin which reptiles will use as shelter). If reptiles are present, on-site mitigation strategies will have to be implemented with the aim of protecting them during construction and ensuring that the conservation status of sets the local population is maintained.​

Surveys for reptiles are seasonally constrained. For more information please see our Survey Calendar >>>
Legal Protection

Lizards and snakes in Great Britain have declined, primarily due to habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. All reptiles in Britain are "priority species" which means that local authorities and other public bodies have a legal duty to take their conservation into account, making reptiles a material consideration in the planning process.​

All UK reptiles are also protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended); Sand Lizards and Smooth Snake have further protection as European Protected Species.
Reptile Ecology

Reptiles are found in a variety of habitats but each has common characteristics - basking areas in the sun; shelter from extreme weather and predators; an abundance of prey; breeding sites for egg-laying species; and suitable hibernation sites.​

Some of the best areas for reptiles are heathlands, dune slacks, woodland edge and forest clearings but they are also found on old industrial sites and railway lines, allotments and even gardens.
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