Amphibian and reptile licences - Land management

Although great crested newts and natterjack toads are tied to water for breeding they spend most of their lives on land, using the areas around ponds for feeding and for hibernation.  They can move considerable distances from breeding ponds; for instance, most adult great crested newts probably stay within 250 metres of breeding ponds, but animals will undoubtedly disperse over greater distances than this. 

Most land management practices are unlikely to affect these species or the places in which they live.  However, if you think works you are proposing might affect them, and if those impacts cannot be avoided and the work might otherwise result in an offence being committed, then it may be possible to get a licence to carry out the work proposed. Licences can only be granted subject to strict tests being met.  

Contact Scottish Natural Heritage species licensing team for advice.