Technology Centre Team Member Gains Ecology Licence

Richard Smith, Environmental Consultant, has obtained a Great Crested Newt (GCN) survey licence from Natural England.

In a recent case a construction company was prosecuted and fined £11,500 for allowing construction work to proceed within habitat adjacent to GCN breeding ponds. All construction sites within 500 metres of a known GCN population require a development licence from Natural England; which is only given if surveying and mitigation measures are undertaken.

The licence permits Richard to carry out presence/absence surveys for GCNs using approved methods and handling for the purposes of identification and release. He can determine whether GCN surveys are required by undertaking Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments of a site and if GCNs are discovered recommendations for mitigation can be provided.

GCNs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 making it an offence to disturb or take them without a licence.

Richard also has expertise relating to other amphibians, as well as reptiles, water voles, dormice, badgers, bats and invasive species.

For further information and assistance please contact the Technology Centre on 01525 859050.

Published: 26/11/2009