Great crested newt (GCN) and its habitat are protected by law, and have to be considered during any development where they may occur. Where GCN is present, the needs of the species in terms of its breeding pond and terrestrial habitat have to be accommodated. This requires a structured approach involving presence/absence survey, population size class assessment and licensed mitigation.

All of our surveyors are fully licensed to undertake standard GCN presence/absence survey. We also hold DEFRA development licences for a number of projects across the north-west.

Great crested newt is listed on Annex II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is also protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation Regulations 1994, and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.