Reptile Surveys
Reptiles
There are six native reptile species in the UK: the common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, adder, and the UK’s rarest reptiles, the sand lizard and smooth snake.
All reptiles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
As a result, it is an offence to:
- intentionally kill or injure a reptile
- sell, offer for sale, or transport for sale these species, or any part of them
Sand lizards and smooth snakes receive additional legal protection as European Protected Species.
Reptiles can be affected by works such as:
- developments that remove or damage suitable grassland, woodland, or scrub mosaic habitats
The best time of year to conduct surveys can be found in our Ecology calendar.
If your Preliminary Ecological Appraisal has identified potential issues relating to reptiles on your site, you may need one or more of the surveys listed below.
Adonis Blue will work with you to carry out the necessary surveys for your site.
Reptile Surveys
Below are the main types of reptile surveys used in development contexts:
Presence / Absence Survey
- Purpose: To determine the presence or likely absence of reptiles
- Method: Artificial refugia, such as felt mats, are placed on site at least two weeks before surveys begin. Surveyors then undertake seven visits over a minimum period of 21 days to check the refugia
- Timings: Optimal survey conditions are typically between April and September, when temperatures are between 10°C and 18°C, with no heavy rain or strong winds
- Number of surveys: Seven survey visits, plus one initial visit to deploy the refugia
Translocation
If presence / likely absence surveys identify a reptile population on site, translocation will likely be required before development can begin
- Purpose: To minimise the risk of the killing or injury of individual reptiles and to maintain the long-term survival of reptile populations by safely relocating reptiles to receptor sites of comparable size and habitat quality
- Method: Refugia should be in place for at least two weeks before surveys begin. They are then checked daily for a set period, typically 30 - 90 days. The capture period can typically stop once five consecutive days (with suitable weather conditions) have passed without any reptiles being recorded
- Timings: Optimal survey conditions are typically between April and October, when temperatures are between 10°C and 18°C, with no heavy rain or strong winds
Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW)
In most cases, before reptile translocation can begin, reptile exclusion fencing must be in place. In addition, the reptile receptor site must be secured and have suitable habitat to receive reptiles. These stages require oversight from an experienced Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) to ensure compliance with legislation and best-practice guidance.
As part of the translocation phase, a suitably experienced ECoW is often needed on site to supervise a two-stage vegetation clearance process. This typically includes:
- Stage 1: Initial strimming of vegetation down to 150mm
- Stage 2: A second cut down to ground level, carried out 24 hours later
- Final stage: A topsoil strip using an excavator fitted with a toothed bucket under ecological supervision
This staged approach allows reptiles the opportunity to disperse safely and helps reduce the risk of harm during site preparation works.
Our team can support you through every stage of the process, from fencing installation to ECoW supervision and data collection, helping your development progress smoothly, lawfully, and with minimal ecological impact.