There are six native species of reptile in the UK the most common of which are; adder, common lizard, grass snake and slow worm. Smooth snake and sand lizard also occur within the UK, although these species are less common and have a very localised distribution, mainly in the south of the UK.

Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) protects against intentionally killing, injuring or taking native reptile species. It also prohibits interference with places used for shelter or protection.

The smooth snake and sand lizard are afforded additional protection under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), which prohibits damage or destruction to their breeding sites and resting places.

In order to avoid killing or injuring of reptiles during works, it is recommended that presence/absence surveys are undertaken of habitats considered suitable for supporting reptiles.

Surveys

The optimal time for undertaking reptile surveys is during April, May or September when weather conditions are most suitable. The weather at the time of the survey should be warm and sunny, but ideally below 16°C. It is often possible to carry out surveys during the summer months, however this is sub-optimal and additional visits (often ten) will be required to give confidence in the results.

Methodology

A reptile survey is usually carried out by the deployment of artificial refuges, which comprise of sheets of corrugated tin and squares of bitumastic roofing felt (approximately 0.75m x 0.75m) that are laid in suitable situations throughout the site. The artificial refugia warm up in the early morning or afternoon sun and provide favourable conditions for reptiles to bask and / or shelter. Grass snakes and slow worms will generally be found under the artificial refugia, whereas lizards will often be recorded on top of the tins / felts.

The artificial refuges are checked on seven occasions in suitable weather conditions to determine presence or presumed absence. Should a population estimate be required, additional surveys may be necessary.