David Denman, Principal Ecologist and Unit Manager at Delta-Simons has just been granted a licence to survey for Great Crested Newts by Natural England, the government’ advisors on the natural environment.

 

Natural England licences ecologists who wish to survey certain animals such as Great Crested Newts which could be disturbed, injured or accidentally killed during surveys. David had to prove that he had the theoretical and practical skills needed to undertake such surveys before having his licence granted.

 

David’s new licence allows him to search for and trap Great Crested Newts so helping Delta-Simons clients who need to know whether the newts are occupying ponds or habitat on their sites. This is because Great Crested Newts and the habitat where they live are totally protected by both European and British legislation. If they are present on a site then the work needs to be carefully managed so that the newts are unaffected.  This requires detailed planning to avoid costly project delays and unnecessary fees. Developing land with or near to Great Crested Newts or their habitat also requires a development specific licence. David, as well as being able to survey for the newts, holds a Great Crested Newt development licence which requires Natural England to be satisfied as to the exact nature of the impacts of the development on the newt population and the colony’s long term future.

 

The range of survey methods is also stipulated in David’s licence and it includes a technique called “torching”. Torching is a survey method used specifically for Great Crested Newts and involves the use of a million candle power torch to illuminate the ponds at night. Trapping techniques are varied and may include bottle trapping, placing artificial refugia and netting. 

 

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