Reptile Surveys in Shropshire
Do I need a reptile survey for my development in Shropshire?
If your project may affect a reptile habitats, a professional survey is essential — we provide compliant reports to support planning consent.
Fast, Clear, Planning-Ready Support
Fast response
Calls answered in 2 rings, emails replied to within the hour.
Free expert advice
Clear guidance before you commit.
Cost-effective
Working in partnership with clients to ensure planning approval first time
Typical 10-day turnaround
Industry Leading Standard
Expert Team
We stay with you from first call through to submission.
Do you need a Reptile Survey in Shropshire?
Shropshire’s varied landscape, heathland edges, pasture, woodland fringes, brownfield land, old railway lines and rough grassland, offers ideal habitat for protected reptile species.
A reptile survey assesses an area to determine which reptile species are present and whether they could be affected by development. Ecologists search, trap, and record reptiles over time to understand their distribution. The findings help ensure that construction or land changes avoid harming wildlife and comply with planning regulations.
Planning officers in Shropshire often require reptile surveys when development could disturb suitable habitats or areas where reptiles may be present.
You may need a reptile survey if your project involves:
greenfield or rural housing development in Shrewsbury
clearance of grassland, scrub, rough ground between March-October around Brignorth and Ironbridge
solar farms, farm conversions or agricultural conversions near Newport
redevelopment of brownfield or disused land close to Market Drayton
works along hedgerows, ditches or railway margins surrounding Whitchurch and Highley
a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) that highlights reptile potential anywhere in Shropshire
A quick postcode check confirms whether your LPA is likely to request reptile evidence.
We provide reptile surveys across Shropshire, covering key areas including Shrewsbury, Telford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Newport, and Church Stretton.
Why Planning Officers in Shropshire Request Reptile Surveys
Shropshire planning authorities require reptile survey evidence where suitable habitat is present to ensure development complies with the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and national planning policy. Without early, proportionate evidence, applications are commonly delayed through validation queries, additional conditions, or seasonal survey requirements that can disrupt project timelines and necessitate redesigns.
Local Case Insight
How Reptile Surveys Work
Our specialist ecology team carries out a Reptile Survey and confirms presence or risk. You receive a clear, LPA-ready report setting out mitigation and timing controls to keep your project moving.
Key Deliverables for projects in Shropshire:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
- Habitat suitability assessments
- Presence/absence surveys using refugia and visual inspections
- Tailored mitigation and safe clearance guidance
- Reports that meet LPA validation standards
- Advice on timing, preparation, and best practices
We help you plan works in Shropshire safely around reptiles, ensuring compliance and keeping your project on track.
Step 1
Schedule
Send your site details and programme. We confirm the correct level of survey.
Step 2
Fieldwork
Site walkovers, habitat suitability assessments, refugia checks, and activity monitoring for reptiles.
Step 3
Reporting
Planning-ready reports with impact assessment, mitigation options and timelines for site teams.
Step 4
Integration with other Surveys
Only if needed. PEA, EIA, and Protected Species surveys
Next Steps
Need a reptile survey in Shropshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Reptile Surveys in Shropshire
Do I need a reptile survey if I’ve never seen reptiles on my site?
Possibly — habitat suitability is the key trigger, not sightings.
For planning checks and guidance:
Shropshire Council – Planning
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/planningTelford & Wrekin – Planning
https://www.telford.gov.uk/planning
When can reptile surveys be completed in Shropshire?
Typically April–September, depending on weather conditions.
Can I start clearing land in Shropshire before surveys?
Not if habitat is suitable — we’ll provide staged clearance guidance.
Will this delay my project in Shropshire?
Not if identified early. Most delays occur when surveys are requested late.
