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Reptile Surveys in Hampshire

Reptile Surveys in Hampshire

Do I need a reptile survey for my development in Hampshire?

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 Hampshire?

Hampshire encompasses a wide variety of habitats — from heathland, woodland edges, and chalk grassland to coastal margins, brownfield sites, and rural field edges — all of which can provide suitable conditions for reptiles. These areas offer essential shelter, basking spots, and foraging opportunities, making them important to consider during development planning and ecological assessments to ensure compliance with wildlife protection regulations.

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 Hampshire 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: 

  • heathland-edge or woodland-edge developments around New Forest, East Hampshire, Winchester or Petersfield

  • rural or agricultural conversions near Basingstoke, Alton, Andover or Romsey

  • grassland, scrub or rough ground across Fareham, Eastleigh, Havant or Winchester districts

  • brownfield sites or disused industrial land in Southampton, Portsmouth or Totton

  • any PEA highlighting reptile potential anywhere in Hampshire

A quick postcode check reveals if your site sits within likely reptile habitat.

We provide reptile surveys across Hampshire, covering key areas including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Eastleigh, Romsey, Alton, Andover, and the New Forest.

 
 
 
 

Why Planning Officers in Hampshire Request Reptile Surveys

Hampshire 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

A solar array near Winchester required reptile checks because the site included rough grassland, which provided potential habitat for protected species. Targeted surveys revealed moderate slow worm activity, allowing the project team to implement a phased clearance strategy. This approach ensured vegetation removal and site preparation could proceed safely and legally, enabling construction to start on schedule without seasonal delays or additional ecological conditions.

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 Hampshire:

We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes: 

  • Habitat suitability assessment

  • Refugia-based presence/absence surveys

  • Proportionate mitigation plans

  • Practical site clearance advice

  • LPA-ready reporting

  • Programme and timing guidance

  • Coordination with contractors or designers

We help you plan works across Hampshire safely around reptile habitats, ensuring compliance while 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 Hampshire? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track. 

FAQ - Reptile Surveys in Hampshire

How do I know if reptiles are on my site in Hampshire?

Habitat indicators provide the most reliable starting point.

For planning checks and guidance: 

  • Hampshire County Council Planning
    https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/planning

  • Winchester City Council Planning
    https://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning

  • Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council Planning
    https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/planning

  • East Hampshire District Council Planning
    https://www.easthants.gov.uk/planning

  • New Forest District Council Planning
    https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1645/Planning

  • https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/search-and-track-planning-applications

Generally April–September, depending on conditions.

Can I clear land before reptile surveys in Hampshire?

Only if habitat is unsuitable — we’ll advise proper sequencing.

Not with early checks and proportionate mitigation.

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