Reptile Surveys

Reptiles are an important component of the UK’s natural ecosystems, and several species, including grass snakes, slow worms, common lizards, and adders, receive legal protection. Any development involving grassland, heathland, brownfield sites, scrub, woodland edges, or wetland margins must consider their presence. At Wold Ecology, we provide comprehensive reptile surveys that ensure legal compliance while enabling projects to progress smoothly.

How Reptile Surveys Are Carried Out

Our survey process follows current CIEEM guidelines and is designed to deliver accurate, defensible results.

1. Preliminary Habitat Assessment
We begin with a site walkover to identify features likely to support reptiles, including:

• Sunny, south-facing banks
• Well structured grassland and scrub edges
• Rubble piles, log stacks, and hibernation sites
• Wetland margins and open ground mosaics

This stage determines whether a full reptile survey is required.

2. Artificial Refuge Surveys
Where suitable habitat is present, we place a series of carefully positioned artificial refuges (typically roofing-felt mats or tins) across the site.

• These provide warm surfaces that attract basking or sheltering reptiles.
• Surveys are carried out over 7+ visits, in suitable weather conditions, during spring and autumn.

Ecologists record presence, abundance, age classes, and distribution across the site.

3. Direct Observation & Targeted Searches
Alongside refuge checks, we conduct visual transects to identify reptiles using natural basking sites. This helps confirm population size and key activity areas.

4. Reporting & Mitigation Planning
Our results are compiled into a clear, actionable report detailing:

• Which species are present and where
• Potential impacts of the proposed development
• Mitigation and enhancement requirements
  Where significant impacts are unavoidable, we prepare translocation strategies.

Integrating Reptiles & Development

Sensitive planning allows construction and reptile conservation to work side by side. Wold Ecology specialises in delivering practical solutions that minimise impacts while supporting ecological value.

Typical mitigation and integration measures include:

• Retaining key habitat features, including sunny banks and refuges
• Creating new reptile-friendly habitats, such as tussocky grassland, scrub edges, log piles, and hibernacula
• Phased vegetation clearance to allow reptiles to move safely away from working areas
• Installing exclusion fencing where translocation is necessary
• Designing wildlife corridors to maintain connectivity across the development
• Timing works to avoid hibernation and peak activity seasons

Our approach ensures full compliance with wildlife legislation while providing developers with clear, reliable pathways through the planning process.