Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) can be a significant consideration in planning applications and development projects, especially when there are water bodies such as ponds (i..e great crested newt breeding habitat), within or close to a site.

Great crested newt and their habitats are provided full legal protection and it is an offence to kill, injure, or disturb great crested newt and to damage, destroy or obstruct access to the habitats of this species.

The timing of surveys for great crested newt is seasonally constrained, being restricted to March/April-May/June, when adult great crested newts are in breeding ponds.

GreenLink Ecology Ltd. employs Natural England great crested newt licence holders who are able to undertake all elements of great crested newt survey work, apply for development licences and implement mitigation strategies.