Reptiles: A Brief Life History

Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures that have limited means of maintaining their body temperature, typically relying on external heat sources, such as the sun, to do so. Consequently, they are more active in the summer months between April and September, where they may be seen basking in the sun or warming themselves on a warm rock or sun-baked stretch of sand or tar. Reptiles slow down their metabolism and hibernate over the winter months between November and February.

Current Status and Why They’re Protected

Six indigenous species of reptile are found in Great Britain — three species of lizards and three snake species — of which four species (common lizard, slow worm, adder and grass snake) are considered common reptiles, while two species (sand lizard and smooth snake) have a far more limited distribution and are considered rare reptiles. All six reptile species are afforded legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (Schedule 5), which prohibits anyone from intentionally injuring or killing a reptile. Additionally, the rare reptile species (sand lizard and smooth snake) are protected under the Conservation of Species and Habitat Regulations (Schedule 2), making it illegal for anyone other than a licensed ecologist to intentionally disturb, capture or handle a rare reptile, or to obstruct or damage any habitat used by a rare reptile for refuge or shelter. All reptiles are listed as a species of principle importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006; consequently, local planning authorities are legally bound to consider their conservation during the planning process.

How Our Reptile Surveys Work

The above legislation offers legal protection to both common and rare reptiles, and in the case of the latter, also their habitat. Consequently, any proposed development will first need to determine whether or not reptiles occur on the development site,  and if so, identify the species to determine if any rare species are included.

We can assist by sending a licensed ecologist to conduct a reptile survey of your site. This involves multiple site visits whereby surveys are undertaken to determine whether reptiles occur on your site, identifying and recording any species that may be present.

To ensure reptiles are active and visible, reptile surveys are seasonally limited to the summer months (April-September), when weather conditions and daytime temperatures are favourable, with April, May and September usually offering the best climatic conditions for conducting accurate reptile surveys.

What Happens if Reptiles are Present on Your Site

Should reptiles occur on your site, you may need to undertake a more detailed population estimate survey to determine population numbers and species composition. We can assist with population estimate surveys, as well as suggesting and implementing mitigating measures to ensure conservation of both common and rare reptile species that may be present. Our reptile conservation and mitigation services include: population monitoring, reconstructing suitable habitat, trapping and relocating, and reptile exclusion barricades.