In 2012, Aspect Ecology undertook a translocation of over 6,500 Slow-worms and Common Lizards from a development site near Maidstone, Kent to three receptor sites nearby. Surveys by volunteers have demonstrated that the translocated reptiles continue to survive and breed within the Local Nature Reserve receptor sites.

In addition, low numbers of Slow-worms and Common Lizards were retained within areas of suitable habitat within the development site. Aspect Ecology has now completed a 5-year monitoring programme of these animals, in line with planning conditions. Our surveys have demonstrated that the site, now largely comprising residential development, continues to support good populations of both species within areas of semi-natural greenspace. Numerous records of young animals show that Slow-worms and Common Lizards are breeding successfully within the site.

It is relatively rarely that monitoring is required following a reptile translocation. In this case it is pleasing to be able to confirm after five years of monitoring that this large scale translocation has been successful, with a good population retained on the development site and new reptile populations established elsewhere.