About Our Great Crested Newt Training
It has become apparent that there has been a significant reduction in workplace GCN training opportunities, due to the widespread use of GCN eDNA water sampling and the move away from traditional GCN presence / likely absence and population size class assessment surveys (that historically equipped ecologists with a range of skills). The situation has been further exacerbated as a consequence of the widespread take up of the Natural England GCN District Level Licence scheme (specifically the no GCN survey data available option).
It is clear to GCN Training Ltd and others within the ecology sector that the courses offered are required to help ensure that valuable and transferable GCN field skills are not degraded or lost. The level of individual competence demonstrated on the course will determine if a delegate can receive a personal reference to become a Registered Person in their own right under the Natural England level 1 CLO8 licence and/or the Natural Resources Wales GCN Survey licence or the NatureScot GCN Survey licence.
As the Registered Person or an Accredited Agent a delegate may lawfully undertake GCN presence/likely absence surveys and/or act as a GCN/amphibian Ecological Clerk of Works without direct personal supervision, under the terms and conditions of the relevant GCN licence.