The legal protection afforded to the four commoner species of native reptile, the Slow Worm, Common Lizard, Grass Snake and Adder, relates to the protection of the animal itself from deliberate harm, injury and killing. For these four species no licence is presently required to survey or for translocation. However, for two species, the Slow Worm and the Common Lizard, particular skill is need when handling the animals since their defence mechanism is to shed their tails. The Adder also requires skilled handling since it is venomous.

 

For two species, the Smooth Snake and the Sand Lizard the protection is extended to cover disturbance, as well as broadly speeking its habitat in an exactly simmilar way that Bats and Great Crested Newts are protected. For these two species licensing may be required.

 

From the development perspective where reptiles are likely to be present it is important to prove presence or probable absence. If they are present than a clear mitigation strategy will be needed to proceed through the planning process.

 

In practical terms reptile presence may hamper early exploration of the development site and early habitat manipulation may be required to safeguard repties.

 

Though all aspect of reptiles in planning, mitigation and translocation Jones & Sons have a wealth of experiance of project of all sizes.