CGO Ecology has been commissioned by Dorset County Council to carry out a reptile survey of the A338 Spur Road north of Bournemouth, Dorset. The 8.5 km road will be subject to a £27-million 'rebuild' over the next two years, with barrier upgrades and verge drainage renewal.

The spring 2009 reptile survey is needed to assess the impact of the planned works on protected reptiles. Rare and highly-protected sand lizards and smooth snakes are present in heathlands adjacent to the road, and are likely to occupy road verges too. Other protected reptiles such as the slow-worm are anticipated along virtually all of the 17 km survey route. The results will inform a mitigation strategy advising the client on the best way to minimise impacts on reptiles, for example by habitat creation nearby, and moving reptiles if necessary.