Reptile Surveys in Surrey
Do I need a reptile survey for my development in Surrey?
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 Surrey?
Surrey supports some of the UK’s strongest reptile populations, with extensive heathland, woodland edges, commons, grassland, road corridors and brownfield plots.
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 Surrey 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:
- development bordering heathland or woodland around Woking, Guildford, Godalming or Farnham
grassland, scrub, commons or open green space across Reigate & Banstead, Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley
brownfield parcels or disused land in Camberley, Staines-upon-Thames, Egham or Chertsey
solar farms, rural housing plots or conversions near Dorking, Haslemere or Cranleigh
- any PEA highlighting reptile potential
A quick postcode check reveals if your site sits within likely reptile habitat.
We provide reptile surveys across Surrey, covering key areas including Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Dorking, Reigate, Epsom, Camberley, Godalming, and Haslemere.
Why Planning Officers in Surrey Request Reptile Surveys
Surrey 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 often delayed through validation queries, additional conditions, or seasonal survey requirements that can disrupt project programmes and lead to unnecessary redesign.
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 Surrey:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
Assessment of habitat suitability for reptiles
Presence/absence surveys using refugia
Tailored mitigation recommendations
Practical site clearance strategies, where required
Reports prepared for LPA validation
Advice on timing and site preparation
Clear coordination with your design team or contractors
We help you plan works across Surrey safely around reptile habitats, ensuring compliance and keeping your project on schedule.
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 Surrey? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Reptile Surveys in Surrey
How do I know if reptiles are on my site in Surrey?
We assess habitat features rather than just relying on sightings.
For planning checks and guidance:
Guildford Borough Council – Planning applications https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/24686/Search-for-information-about-a-planning-application
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council – Planning applications https://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/info/20085/planning_applications/956/viewing_planning_applications
Woking Borough Council Planning https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/land-planning-and-development/planning
Surrey Heath Borough Council Planning https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/search-and-track-planning-applications
When are reptile surveys carried out in Surrey?
Between April–September, weather permitting.
Can I clear land before reptile surveys in Surrey?
It depends on habitat suitability — we’ll advise safe steps.
Will reptiles delay planning in Surrey?
Not when identified early and managed proportionately.
