Survey Licence

Just a quick question, how would the field herper go about applying for licence's to specifically look for heavily protected species, ie Great Crested Newts, Smooth Snakes, Natterjack Toads, etc?

 

Is there any way around it? Or are they only eligable for people who are registered to survey for Natural England, or Ecological Consultants/Field researchers?

 

Thanks.

The way I did it James for my GCN licence was to work with one reference provider in the field for several nights, seeing survey techniques, practicing them etc (i.e I got to lug the bags of bottle traps around lol) for the field experience.

The second reference provider (Herpetologic) just happened to also be running a field course, so a bit of class room in the morning and some field time in the afternoon.

It's really not difficult at all, just takes some motivation which I know you have plenty of and of course you get to meet knowledgeable people along the way. You will in most cases need to demonstrate a certain amount of knowledge/ability to the reference provider - so worth reading up on what you can.

There isn't a lot of point gaining licences unless you need them really, but the GCN licence is a must have if you want to work in herp consultancy. Just make sure you fill it in for 'all counties'.

I'm not sure where you are James, but nowadays in Wales for GCNs they ask that you have attended an 'approved' training course and have undertaken 10 site visits, so people keep a log book of the times they been out with someone with a licence. It's probably best if you are named on someone else's licence first.

It's changed a lot since I started out in the 90's - I just had 2 referees, no formal experience, and that was it, I got a licence.

Hi james

it would be worth your while contacting the HARG about
getting experience with GCN's - they are carrying out a
series of surveys this year for gcns -

I am also carrying out surveys on amphibians in Hampshire
so if you would like to help out then please do get in
touch

J

They may have people who are licensed for natterjacks,
smooth snakes and sand lizards - so you could volunteer for
those surveys.

Also SARG (vicar) have protected species survey training
events - try contacting them as well.

J