All reptile species are protected under UK legislation, with sand lizard and smooth snake also receiving protected under European legislation but these two species have very limited geographical range.

If the habitats within a development site are suitable for reptiles, then a reptile survey may be required to determine the likely impacts and suitable mitigation. Surveys can be undertaken between March and October inclusive but are generally weather dependent. A number of visits over several weeks are usually required to accurately determine presence or absence of common and widespread reptile species including adder, grass snake, common lizard and slow worm.

Our team has extensive experience surveying for reptiles and undertaking translocation of reptiles from development sites. We are currently working on a large-scale translocation of reptiles in South Essex where we have moved over 200 reptiles over a period of three months. Our staff are trained and experienced in adder handling.