Great Crested Newt
eDNA Surveys
A fast, cost-effective water test that confirms whether great crested newts are present in a pond, keeping your planning application moving.
What is a great crested newt eDNA survey?
Great crested newts are a European protected species. An environmental DNA (eDNA) survey tests a water sample from a pond for traces of newt DNA, giving a reliable presence or absence result from a single visit.
Sampling must be carried out within the eDNA season, from mid-April to the end of June, and analysed by an accredited laboratory. Our Natural England licensed ecologists collect the sample to the required protocol and, where newts are found, design mitigation and support any licence application.
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Habitat suitability check
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Water sampling mid-Apr to end Jun
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Laboratory analysis
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Result & next steps
Why you might need one
Where a pond is on or near your site and could support great crested newts (GCN), your Local Planning Authority will usually want the presence or likely absence of GCN confirmed before determining the application.
A material consideration
Great crested newts are legally protected, so their presence must be established where GCN or suitable habitats for GCN could be affected.
A single spring visit
eDNA needs just one water sample within the mid-April to end of June window, giving a quick, clear result.
We handle the next steps
We design proportionate mitigation and support any Natural England licence needed to allow development to proceed.
GCN eDNA FAQs
When can eDNA surveys be done?
The eDNA season runs from mid-April to the end of June. Samples cannot be taken outside this window.
How reliable is eDNA?
Sampling to the Natural England protocol and analysis by an accredited laboratory gives a robust presence or absence result.
What happens if newts are found?
We advise on proportionate mitigation and, where required, prepare and support a Natural England mitigation licence.
Do I still need traditional surveys?
eDNA confirms presence or likely absence. If GCN presence is confirmed, multiple routes and solutions through planning are available. If a traditional Natural England mitigation licence is the preferred route, a population size assessment may be required, requiring further surveys of the pond(s).
Ready to discuss your project?
Our ecologists will review your site details and respond within one working day with a clear, no-obligation quote.