Roman Snails on Development Sites
A fairly recent and often overlooked protected species issue on development sites is the presence or likely presence of Roman snails Helix pomatia. We are currently dealing with a large population on a greenfield site in the south-east.
The Roman snail was originally introduced to Britain by the Romans but it now attracts protection under national wildlife legislation. Roman snails (with a maximum width of about 45mm) are larger than garden snails and their shells do not have the ‘crinkly’ darker brown pattern associated with garden snails. The main hotspots for Roman snail in England are along the North Downs (from Surrey to Kent), the Chilterns and throughout the fringes of the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills.
They are protected under the WCA (added to Schedule 5 in April 2008) but are NOT a European Protected Species (EPS). The protection relates to Section 9(1), (2) and (5), which basically means it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take (which includes handle) a Roman snail; or to possess or sell Roman snails. It is not an offence to disturb Roman snails or to damage or destroy breeding places or resting places of this species. However, although disturbance is not an offence, a personal licence is required to handle them (however briefly) as they are protected against taking.
What do surveys involve?
Surveys involve visual and active searching for snails during suitable weather. Several visits will be required and presence is best determined between early May and late June. The snails are most active in warm, humid weather or after rain and can be extremely difficult to find during dry, hot weather. A licence is not necessarily needed for surveys, but a personal licence will be required for anyone carrying out translocation work
What are the implications on development sites?
If present, a mitigation strategy needs to be agreed with Natural England. If snails are likely to be impacted a translocation exercise may be required. A site specific Conservation Licence is required for any translocation. As with all translocations a suitable receptor area (e.g. correct soil type, suitable habitats etc) and sufficient space will be needed.
Why is this species becoming a hot topic?
This species can easily be overlooked at a site during basic ecological surveys. Regular visitors are far more likely to know it is present and, given its legal status, the Roman snail is increasingly being raised as an issue by third parties, often late in the planning process. The benefits of being one step ahead and having a mitigation strategy in place are obvious.
For more information please contact Kris Long on kris.long@csaenvironmental.co.uk
