National District Level Licensing Programme for Great Crested Newts

Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus; GCN) are fully protected under European and domestic legislation and the Habitats Directive places an obligation on the UK to achieve their Favourable Conservation Status (FCS, as defined by Article 2 of the Habitats Directive). Although declining overall, GCN are still widespread and relatively common in some areas in which developments are planned, including in disturbed and urban environments. The Habitats Directive makes it an offence to capture, kill, injure or disturb GCN or to damage key elements of their habitats. The Habitats Directive provides for the derogation from these prohibitions for specified reasons and providing certain conditions…