The Great Crested Newt, or Northern Crested newt, as it is also known, is a protected species of newt which is part of the Salamandridae family. It resides in areas of Europe and Asia but is most commonly found in Great Britain and the North of England is the place where it can be found in large populations. The great Crested Newt is a beautiful creature which is black with orange and yellow spots. It is a very distinctive creature and it is very important that we all do everything we can to insure the preservation of the Great Crested Newt so that it may continue to thrive and be enjoyed by future generations.
The great Crested Newt is protected in the UK and member states of the European Union. They are a very scarce species with a population in decline and that is why they have been afforded protected status by the EU. The Great Crested Newts habitats are being destroyed and encroached on every day and the protective measures which have been granted are hoped to reverse this trend.
Great Crested Newt Survey
The Grest Crested Newt is protected by law, under the Annex IV of the EC Habitats and Species Directive of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This means that anyone who either intentionally or unintentionally, kills, maims, moves or disturbs them will be prosecuted and could even face a prison term, depending on the severity of their offence.
Anyone who willingly (or unwillingly) destroys the living and breeding grounds of these creatures could be prosecuted. This means that anyone who is looking to develop land where the Great Crested Newt could possibly reside will need to take measures to ensure that they do not break these rules. The best way to do this is t have a Great Crested Newt survey carried out by an ecological consultant. A Great crested Newt Survey will look for signs of their presence and will help you to avoid and legal woes. It could also help you to be granted planning permission much more quickly as it will prove to local planning authorities that you have covered all bases.
Arbtech are ecological consultants who offer a range of services across the UK, including Great Crested Newt surveys at low prices.