In contrast to other European countries, the diversity of amphibians in Ireland is relatively low, and at present we only have three native species: the smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris, common frog Rana temporaria and Natterjack toad Bufo calamita. Frogs and newts are common and well distributed throughout Ireland, but the natterjack toad suffered a large decline in range in the early 20th century and is now only found at a few sites in Kerry and Wexford.
All of these species are protected by national legislation (and the natterjack toad is also protected by European legislation), under which it is an offence to:
- Kill or injure any of these species
- Damage or disturb their breeding or resting places
- Disturb them during breeding, rearing, hibernation or migration (only applies to the natterjack toad)
All species require freshwater ponds, ditches or other similar waterbodies for breeding; moving water (e.g. rivers) or lakes that contain fish are unlikely to be suitable. Outside the breeding season all species live on land, favouring wetlands, bogs, meadows, rough grasslands, hedgerows, woodland and scrub. All species hibernate during winter months, usually in dense undergrowth, under piles of stones / wood, or in underground burrows.
If a development is likely to disturb amphibian habitat, a planning authority may ask an applicant to commission a survey for one or more species from a suitably qualified ecologist, and to submit a report as part of their planning application. Of these three species, newt surveys are requested most frequently, particularly in Northern Ireland. In particular, the following activities are considered high-risk:
- In-filling of ponds, drainage ditches or other permanent waterbodies
- Drainage or conversion of wetland habitats
- Any clearance of undergrowth in high-quality amphibian habitat (e.g. bog, wetlands, coastal dunes, rough grassland near water)
- Discharging surface water or waste water into any permanent waterbodies
Newt surveys - what is involved?
The presence or absence of newts can usually be confirmed by inspecting ponds during the night using torches, or by checking aquatic vegetation for their eggs. Surveys are most effective during the breeding season when adults and eggs are present in ponds, typically between March - June. Newts can also be surveyed in terrestrial habitats using artificial refuges (e.g. roofing felt), and are often encountered during lizard surveys.
If evidence of any species is found on a development site, mitigation measures may be required to avoid killing or injuring them during works, to provide compensatory breeding, shelter and hibernation sites, and to protect their feeding habitat. Suitable measures will be designed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the project architect or engineer.
If you require a survey for any of these species please contact us for a quote or further advice.
