3 Things You Need to Know About Newts

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Here is a brief review of the current survey methodologies and crucially the three things you need to do next.

Manual Surveys

In order to confidently assess whether GCN are present or not, and – if so – to accurately assess the ecological impacts of a development, Manual Surveys must adhere to the following protocol:

  • Manual Surveys must take place between mid-March and mid-June with at least two of these surveys undertaken between mid-April and mid-May.
  • They must be undertaken by a suitably licenced ecologist.
  • Manual Surveys are weather dependant and cannot be undertaken during periods of low temperatures or heavy rain.
  • At least 4 surveys must be undertaken to confidently ascertain whether GCN are present or not.
  • If GCN are present, a further two surveys (therefore 6 surveys in total) are required to assess the Size Class of the population.
  • Each survey must consist of:
    An evening survey to set traps, “torch” the pond (to search for GCN in the water) and search for eggs in the emergent vegetation.
    A morning survey to empty and remove the traps.eDNA Sampling Surveys

eDNA Sampling Surveys

recent years environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has become the usual method for assessing whether GCN are present in a waterbody. Samples of water are taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This method can give a fast, accurate result – significantly reducing costs to the client.

To minimise risks of cross contamination during both the sampling and analysis (potentially leading to a false positive result) eDNA Sampling Surveys must adhere to the following strict protocol:

  • Water samples must be taken between mid-April and the end of June.
  • Samples must be undertaken by a suitably trained and licenced ecologist.
  • eDNA Sampling Surveys consists of one visit to each pond to take a series of water samples. The sampling methodology must adhere to a specific protocol as approved by Natural England.
  • The analysis technique must be carried out by laboratories with a quality management system approved by Natural England and using qPCR analysis technique (other analysis techniques are available but are not yet approved by Natural England).

Sampling kits are purchased from the laboratory and delivered to the ecologist with analysis slots pre-booked at the time of purchase. Turnaround times (from the laboratory analysis slot) are typically between 7- 10 working days (Standard) and 3 -5 working days (Fast Track).

Analysis slots can rapidly become fully booked.

Considerations of eDNA Sampling Surveys

What if the eDNA Results are Positive?

eDNA Sampling Surveys may result in significant savings – if GCN are shown to be absent.

However, should the eDNA results be positive, a full suite of six Manual Surveys will be required to assess the Size Class of the population, evaluate the potential ecological impacts and design appropriate mitigation.

What about the Survey Date Differences Between the Manual Surveys and eDNA Surveys?

As can be seen above, eDNA Sampling Surveys begin at least 1 month later than the Manual Surveys (to ensure a detectable amount of GCN eDNA will be present in the pond).

  • If the eDNA results are negative.

It is unlikely further GCN surveys will be required.

  • If the eDNA results are positive and the Manual Surveys can be carried out next year.

A full suite of Manual Surveys will be required and all critical survey windows can be met.

  • If the eDNA results are positive and Manual Surveys must be completed in the same year.

This may cause some timing issues to the project. Given at least two Manual Surveys must be carried out between mid-April and mid-May and taking into account the need to separate each Manual Survey (at least a week) and the time required to prepare, organise and conduct each survey, the risk of missing the critical survey window (mid April – mid-May) is high.

In such cases it is common for ecologists to conduct at least one or two Manual Surveys in March / early April and conduct an eDNA Sampling Survey in mid -April. Therefore, should the eDNA results be positive the critical Manual Surveys will continue and if the eDNA results are negative the Manual Surveys will stop.  The client will have paid for two Manual Surveys but will have avoided the risk of missing critical survey windows should GCN have been present.

3 things to do next !

Identify whether any ponds will potentially be impacted by the development, or whether there are any ponds within 500m of the project.

If so, or if unsure, consult with our ecologists who will carry out a Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA). Taking into account the size of the area to be impacted, the distance of any ponds and barriers between the impacted area and pond (roads etc.) we will advise which – if any – further surveys are required.

The most important piece of advice is to consult with an ecologist early to ensure all surveys – should they be required – can be conducted in good time.