The GCN Survey Window

Considering Great Crested Newts

The first thing to ask yourself when considering Great crested newts (or GCN for short) is: are there any ponds on-site? If yes, then further action will be necessary. If the answer is no, we can't rule out GCN just yet as surveys are also required for any ponds within 500m of the site. Turns out GCN can commute quite far in search of a breeding spot!

Various surveys are required when there is the potential to impact a GCN population. They are protected by law as a European Protected Species (EPS).

GCN Surveys

Once it has been established that there is a pond onsite or within 500m, an ecologist will conduct a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Assessment. The purpose of this is to scope out what level of surveying is needed by assessing whether the pond has suitable habitat features for GCN or not. This can take place any time of year, however, is best conducted during the summer months when vegetation cover can be assessed properly.

If the pond/s have high suitability for GCN then further surveys will need to be considered, which could involve environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys and/or pond surveys which involve methods such as torch surveys and egg searching. Once presence is confirmed, surveys can stop and an EPS mitigation license (EPSML) will be required from Natural England for development works. This should be complete by a qualified ecologist. Get in touch with one of our experts today for advice on GCN licensing.

Timing is Key

It is important that GCN are considered early in the planning process as there is only a short timeframe to conduct GCN surveys. Surveys must be complete in the optimal season (Spring/Summer). When there is a high demand for surveys, it is not uncommon that developments miss this window and have to wait until the following year to complete their surveys. This can become a major obstacle for meeting development deadlines; however, Pioneer can help avoid this by working with you to plan well in advance.

The Survey Window  

The survey window for GCN runs between March and June, as this is when this species is most likely to be in their breeding ponds.

• Pond (Presence/Absence) Surveys will require between 4 and 6 surveys, depending on pond suitability, to take place between March and June. At least half of the surveys must be complete within mid-April and mid-May for presence/absence to be determined reliably.

• eDNA Surveys must have the water sample collected between mid-April and the end of June, when there are substantial levels of great crested newt DNA in the pond.

 It’s never too early to book your surveys in for Spring/Summer 2026. Enquire now.