Natural England Reptile Mitigation Guidelines Withdrawn

All ecologists involved in planning-related reptile mitigation work should note that following some useful early feedback from ecological consultants, Natural England has decided to withdraw the first edition of the Reptile Mitigation Guidelines (Technical Information Note No. 102, dated 9 September 2011) to enable various points to be clarified and addressed. This is an important work area, potentially affecting large numbers of planning applications in England, so we wish to ensure that the guidelines are as clear and as widely accepted as possible.

The first edition of the Reptile Mitigation Guidelines is therefore null and void. All quotes, surveys and technical reports produced by consultants using older guidance (i.e. pre-dating TIN102) will still be acceptable, even if the work continues into 2012. Any new fee proposals produced can also continue to follow previous guidance until such time as the guidelines have been re-published. To reduce this inevitable overlap period, the second edition of the Reptile Mitigation Guidelines will be issued as soon as possible, certainly before the start of the next active season for reptiles.

In the meantime, the first edition can be treated as a draft and we are giving interested parties a chance to make additional comments to help us further improve the guidelines. The deadline for these contributions is 1 January 2012.

This announcement is being widely circulated among ecological consultancies and local planning authorities, but it would be helpful if all relevant Natural England staff could ensure that their external contacts are aware of the decision. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Edgar, the new Senior Environmental Specialist (Amphibians & Reptiles).