Numerous reports of great crested newts causing delays for developments have made the news in recent years. These delays could have largely been prevented by employing an ecologist during the early stages of the project to allow for an initial assessment. This would inform of any potential for great crested newts on site, allowing timing constraints to be factored into the project programme.

 

Smeeden Foreman has a team of licensed ecologists who can oversee all stages of newt work, from the initial assessment of ponds in terms of their suitability to support newts to licensed translocation works and mitigation design. The Smeeden Foreman Ecology Calendar provides timings of great crested newt surveys and mitigation works