Reptiles

Our services

At ESL we offer the full range of services relating to reptiles:

Desk study and data searches to establish if reptiles are recorded in the area;
Habitat assessment to determine the potential for each species to be present;
Surveys including laying and checking Artificial Cover Objects (ACOs) - ‘tinning’;
Advice on best practice to safeguard the reptiles whilst protecting the build programme;
Exclusion of reptiles from development areas using temporary fencing;
Locating existing alternative habitat where possible;
Design and creation of new reptile habitat;
Translocation of reptiles to alternative habitats;
Monitoring of populations in accordance with planning conditions or S106 agreements.

Timing of surveys

Reptile surveys should be carried out only in suitable weather conditions i.e. when the air temperature is 10-17°C and there is intermittent or hazy sunshine and little or no wind.

Surveys can be carried out at any time during the animals’ active season, between mid-March and early October, ideally during April, May or September when the air temperature is relatively low but there is sufficient sunlight, bringing the animals out of their refuges to bask.

Click here for information on why a survey is required.