Great Crested Newt Survey
Request a free consultation now and book a Great Crested Newt survey todayAt Invasive Weed, we specialise in Great Crested Newt (GCN) surveys to support planning applications, land development, and pond restoration projects while ensuring compliance with UK wildlife protection laws.
Great crested newts and their habitats are legally protected, meaning that any construction, excavation, or land development that may impact their breeding ponds or terrestrial habitat requires an ecological assessment.
Our licensed ecologists do presence/absence surveys, population size class assessments, Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments, Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing, and mitigation plans to help projects move forward in a legal and responsible way.
For a great crested newt survey and across the UK, contact us today for a consultation.
What Is the Great Crested Newt Survey Process?
The great crested newt survey process begins with an initial habitat assessment in , where our ecologists evaluate the suitability of ponds and terrestrial habitats for newts.
If the habitat is deemed suitable, field surveys & monitoring are conducted, involving torchlight searches, bottle trapping, and netting to confirm GCN presence.
The next stage involves data collection & analysis in , determining newt numbers, habitat conditions, and breeding activity to assess development constraints. The final step is producing a comprehensive report with recommendations in , outlining findings, legal considerations, and mitigation strategies to support planning applications.
What Are the Different Types of Great Crested Newt Surveys?
Great crested newt surveys include habitat assessments, presence detection, population estimation, and mitigation planning.
These surveys also include:
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessments – Evaluates pond suitability and surrounding terrestrial habitat to determine if further surveys are needed.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing – Collects and analyses water samples to confirm the presence of great crested newts.
Presence/Absence surveys – Uses torching, bottle trapping, and egg searches to confirm whether GCNs are actively using the site.
Population size class assessments – Estimates the number of newts present in the habitat for mitigation licensing and conservation planning.
Mitigation & licensing surveys – Develops strategies for habitat enhancement, translocation, and exclusion fencing when newts need protection or relocation.
How Much Does a Great Crested Newt Survey Cost?
Great crested newt survey costs range from £300 to £6,000+, depending on survey type, site complexity, and mitigation requirements.
A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessment, which evaluates the potential for newt presence, typically costs between £300 and £700 in . If further investigation is required, environmental DNA (eDNA) testing, which detects GCN presence through water sampling, costs between £400 and £900 in .
More detailed presence/absence surveys in , involving torchlight searches, bottle trapping, and egg searches, range from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the complexity of the site and the number of survey visits needed.
If a development project requires population size class assessments or mitigation & licensing surveys, costs may range between £2,500 and £6,000, particularly if habitat enhancement or translocation is required.
Additional expenses may include licensing fees (£200–£500), mitigation measures (such as newt fencing), and follow-up monitoring (£500–£1,500 per visit).
Contact Invasive Weed to get customised pricing for Great Crested Newt survey projects in targeted biodiversity areas.
Is a Permit Required for a Great Crested Newt Survey?
Great crested newt survey permits are required under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Regulations 2017 in , making it illegal to catch, handle, or disturb the species without a valid license.
Additionally, destroying, damaging, or obstructing a great crested newt breeding pond or habitat without proper authorisation is prohibited. Any development, excavation, or land clearance affecting great crested newt habitats requires an ecological assessment to ensure compliance.
If great crested newts are found on-site, a Great Crested Newt Mitigation License in may be required before development can proceed. We assist in obtaining permits, conducting mitigation planning, and ensuring full legal compliance.
How Long Does a Great Crested Newt Survey Take?
Great crested newt surveys take from one week to several months, depending on survey type, seasonality, and project scope.
A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment can be completed within one to two weeks, while Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing typically takes two to three weeks for lab results.
If further surveys are required, presence/absence surveys involve multiple site visits over several months, typically between March and June, when GCNs are active.
Population size class assessments, which require a minimum of six survey visits, take longer, often extending into the summer months.
What Are the Environmental Considerations in a Great Crested Newt Survey?
Great crested newt surveys include mitigation strategies such as habitat enhancement, translocation, and newt-friendly site management to support conservation efforts.
We also focus on minimising disruption in by ensuring construction activities follow strict ecological guidelines, reducing the risk of habitat loss or fragmentation. Compliance with conservation laws is essential, preventing regulatory breaches and ensuring responsible land management.
By integrating great crested newt-friendly measures into site plans, we help developers balance project goals with biodiversity protection.
Contact Invasive Weed to get detailed information on great crested newt surveys in targeted biodiversity.