Ecological survey calendar › Great crested newts
When to survey for great crested newts in Wales and England
Updated November 2026. Includes Natural Resources Wales's current position on eDNA results and Natural England's current standing advice.
Great crested newt pond surveys run from mid-March to mid-June, with at least half the visits between mid-April and mid-May. eDNA water sampling is only valid from 15 April to 30 June. Miss these windows and the survey usually waits until the next spring.
Survey windows, sensitive periods and works timing
| Activity | Type | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pond surveys (presence or absence) | Survey | mid-Mar to mid-Apr (not ideal); mid-Apr to mid-May; mid-May to mid-Jun (not ideal) | Four visits for presence or absence, six for a population estimate. At least half between mid-April and mid-May, on nights above 5°C. |
| eDNA water sampling | Survey | mid-Apr to Jun | Samples are taken between 15 April and 30 June. In Wales a negative result may not be accepted on its own, for example near known records or in pond-rich areas. |
| Habitat Suitability Index | Survey | Mar to Jun; Jul to Feb (not ideal) | Possible all year. Easiest to judge in spring when ponds are full. |
| Breeding season in ponds | Sensitive period | Mar to Jun | Adults and eggs are in ponds. Avoid pond works. |
| Hibernation on land | Sensitive period | Nov to Feb | Newts shelter underground. Avoid ground disturbance in terrestrial habitat. |
| Trapping and exclusion fencing (licensed) | Works window | Mar to Oct | Capture only when night temperatures are above 5°C, under licence. |
Optimal survey Possible, not ideal Sensitive period Works window
Timing depends on the site, the weather in a given year and what the planning authority and licensing body need. Upland and northern sites can run later. See every species group side by side on the ecological survey calendar.
About great crested newts
Britain's largest newt breeds in ponds in spring and spends most of the year on land, sheltering and hibernating in grassland, scrub, woodland and rubble. Surveys happen at the pond, but impacts often happen on land.
Legal protection
European protected species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
Licensing
Wales: Works likely to affect newts or their habitat need a European protected species licence from Natural Resources Wales.
England: Works need a Natural England licence, or can use District Level Licensing where the local authority runs a scheme.
Practical tips
- eDNA sampling is quick but only valid from mid-April to the end of June. In Wales, NRW may still want traditional surveys behind a negative result, for example near known records or where there are many ponds.
- Plan pond surveys before March so the season is not missed.
Common questions
When is great crested newt survey season?
Pond surveys run from mid-March to mid-June, with at least half the visits between mid-April and mid-May, on nights above 5°C. Four visits show presence or likely absence; six are needed for a population estimate (English Nature, 2001).
When can eDNA samples be taken?
Between 15 April and 30 June. Samples outside that window are not normally accepted on their own.
Is a negative eDNA result enough in Wales?
Not always. Natural Resources Wales may still want traditional surveys behind a negative result, for example where a pond is within 500 m of a known record or in an area with many ponds, unless the works are lower risk.
What if we have missed the survey window?
A Habitat Suitability Index assessment can be done at any time to scope the risk, but full surveys wait until the next spring. In England, District Level Licensing may be an alternative where the local authority runs a scheme.
Need a survey or advice on timing? Ecoleg's licensed ecologists programme surveys across Wales and England so the right work happens in the right season. Call 07356 123706.
Request a quoteSee the full calendarSources
- English Nature (2001) Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.
- Biggs, J. et al. (2014) Analytical and methodological development for improved surveillance of the great crested newt (eDNA). Defra WC1067.
- Natural Resources Wales, The use of environmental DNA test for great crested newt licensing purposes (accessed November 2026).
- ARG UK (2010) Advice Note 5: Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index.
- Natural England (2025) Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities, survey timings table (accessed November 2026).
Updated November 2026. General guidance only: confirm timing for your site with a suitably qualified ecologist.