How are great crested newt surveys carried out?
The preferred method of surveying for great crested newts is by pond surveys. Pond surveys are carried out between March and mid June which is when adult GCN return to the ponds to mate. There are two types of pond survey the first is Presence / Absence survey. The pond is visited on 4 occasions in suitable weather conditions to establish the presence or absence of great crested newts. The second type of pond survey is the Population size class assessment. The pond is visited on six occasions in order to determine the number of newts using the pond in order to make an estimation of the size of population which will be affected by the development.