Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0800 494 7479

eDNA Testing for Great Crested Newts

Great Crested Newt (GCN) Surveys &
eDNA Testing for Planning

Fast, planning-ready GCN assessments with predictable timelines, seasonal clarity and practical advice aligned to your programme. 

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Do you need a GCN Survey?

You may need a GCN survey if your site: 

  • contains a pond or seasonal waterbody 
  • lies within 250 m of a pond 
  • includes grassland, scrub, hedgerows or woodland edges 
  • has rubble piles, log stacks or damp refuge features 
  • was flagged during a PEA for suitable terrestrial habitat 

Because GCN are a European Protected Species, planning authorities require clear evidence wherever habitat risk is identified. Early checks protect timelines, avoid seasonal delays and shape proportionate next steps. 

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Gloved hand gently holding a great crested newt, indicating the presence of a protected species.

Early Signs an GCN Survey is Needed

  • Pond on-site or within 250 m 
  • PEA flagged GCN suitability 
  • Grassland, hedgerows, scrub, woodland edges 
  • Rubble piles, log stacks, terrestrial refuge 
  • LPA requested a GCN assessment if site is in a GCN risk zone 
  • Large footprints near waterbodies or ditches 

If any apply, a GCN survey is usually required. 

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What We Deliver

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How it Works

Scope & Schedule

Send the site location and timeframe. We confirm whether eDNA is eligible or if seasonal surveys are required.

Fieldwork

eDNA sampling (April–June) or multi-visit presence/absence surveys depending on need

Reporting

Planning-ready reports, clarity for planners, and next steps for your programme.

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Timing & Survey Windows

Missing the eDNA window usually means waiting until the next survey season. Early booking protects your timeline. 

eDNA Testing

Mid April – June

Presence/ Likely Absence Surveys:

Mid March – Mid June

Population Surveys

Mid April – June

Licensing

Seasonally Dependent

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What You Receive:

  • eDNA results (positive/negative) 
  • HSI scoring 
  • Presence/absence or population data 
  • Planning-ready reporting 
  • Clear mitigation/licensing guidance 
  • Reliable timelines and next steps 

Evidence for planners. Clarity for project teams. 

Why Developers Choose ProHort:

  • Programme-first scheduling 
  • Planning-focused reporting 
  • Straight, practical recommendations 
  • Reliable survey capacity 
  • Support through licensing where required 
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Legal Compliance & Planning risk

GCN surveys are required under UK law when suitable habitat exists. Missing or incorrect evidence can lead to: 

  • Planning refusal or validation delays 
  • Stop-work notices 
  • Enforcement penalties for disturbing GCN 
  • Licence requirements late in the programme 
  • Seasonal delays (eDNA and survey windows are fixed)

Relevant legislation includes:

  • Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 
  • Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 5) 

ProHort ensures your evidence is clear, proportionate and aligned to your build schedule. 

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Your Next Step

Need GCN or eDNA surveys? Let’s confirm your route and secure your survey window. 

Phone: 0800 494 7479 
 Email: [email protected] 

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Case Note

A residential site within 120 m of a pond booked eDNA sampling early. Results returned in 9 days. The negative finding removed the need for multi-visit surveys, keeping planning submission on the original timeline.
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GCN Survey FAQs

Do I need a GCN survey for planning

You may need one if your site contains a pond, lies within 250 m of one, or your PEA flags suitable terrestrial habitat like grassland, scrub or hedgerows. 

Yes — but only if the result is negative. A positive result normally triggers additional presence/absence surveys.

Mid April to June. Missing this window usually delays decisions until the next season.

Mid March to mid June, depending on temperature and weather. 

We outline mitigation and licensing routes, including practical measures to keep the programme moving legally. 

Yes. GCN presence can shape habitat creation and terrestrial provision. Early clarity helps avoid redesign. 

Are ponds within 250 m always a constraint?

No. Risk depends on habitat suitability, pond condition and separation features. We confirm quickly. 

No. Licensing is only required where impacts on GCN or their habitat are unavoidable. 

It often will. Planners require seasonal evidence before approving or validating applications. 

eDNA turnaround is typically fast. Multi-visit surveys take several weeks depending on weather and method requirements. 

HSI scoring, eDNA results or presence/absence data, habitat assessment and proportionate mitigation or licensing notes.

Postcode, red line plan, timeline, and any PEA or planner comments. 

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Related Services

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Service Purpose Outcome
GCN eDNA Testing Fast presence/likely absence screening Clear positive/negative result
Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Early risk scoring Practical suitability rating
Presence/Likely Absence Surveys Alternative to eDNA Testing Robust evidence for planning
Population Surveys Gives an estimate of the population size Data for mitigation/licensing
Mitigation & Licensing If impacts are unavoidable Planning-ready solutions