Reptile Surveys in Greater Manchester
Do I need a reptile survey for my development in Greater Manchester?
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 Greater Manchester?
Across Greater Manchester, reptiles are often found in the mosaic of urban edges, brownfield pockets, rail corridors, heathland remnants, allotments and unmanaged grassland.
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 Greater Manchester 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:
redevelopment of brownfield or former industrial land across Manchester, Salford or Trafford
sites with long grass, scrub, bramble or rough ground in Stockport, Oldham or Rochdale
housing, transport or utility works near railway margins, canals or open space throughout the region
greenfield or edge-of-town plots around Bolton, Bury, Wigan and Tameside
any PEA highlighting reptile potential
A quick postcode check will confirm whether your site lies within habitat typically used by reptiles in Greater Manchester.
We provide reptile surveys across Greater Manchester, covering key areas including Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Wigan.
Why Planning Officers in Greater Manchester Request Reptile Surveys
Greater Manchester 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 avoidable 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 Greater Manchester:
We provide a clear, proportionate, practical approach which includes:
- Habitat assessment for reptile suitability
- Presence/absence surveys using refugia
- Proportionate mitigation recommendations
- Practical clearance strategies (where needed)
- Reporting designed for LPA validation
- Advice on timing and site preparation
- Coordination with your design team or contractor
We help you plan works across Greater Manchester 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 Greater Manchester? Let’s confirm your site’s requirements and keep your project on track.
FAQ - Reptile Surveys in Greater Manchester
How do I know if reptiles are on my site in Greater Manchester?
We assess habitat suitability indicators rather than relying on sightings.
For planning checks and guidance:
- Manchester City Council Planning
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/planning - Salford City Council Planning
https://www.salford.gov.uk/planning - Trafford Council Planning
https://www.trafford.gov.uk/planning - Stockport Council Planning
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/planning - Bolton Council Planning
https://www.bolton.gov.uk/planning - Bury Council Planning
https://www.bury.gov.uk/planning - Rochdale Borough Council Planning
https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/planning - Oldham Council Planning
https://www.oldham.gov.uk/planning - Wigan Council Planning
https://www.wigan.gov.uk/planning
When are reptile surveys carried out in Greater Manchester?
Typically April–September, depending on weather conditions.
Can I clear land before reptile surveys in Greater Manchester?
Not if suitable habitat is present — we’ll advise a safe staged approach.
Will reptiles delay planning in Greater Manchester?
Not with early assessment and proportionate mitigation.
