Wildlife

Great Crested Newt: Flagship Species for Pond Restoration

The great crested newt is legally protected and the subject of major conservation programmes that also benefit other wildlife.

Key Facts

Great crested newts are strictly protected under UK and European law
UK population has declined significantly from loss of ponds since the 1940s
They breed in ponds but spend most of the year as terrestrial animals in woodland and grassland
Males have a spectacular crest during the spring breeding season
Pond surveys using eDNA testing can now detect newts without capture

Welfare Considerations

Great crested newts face welfare threats from pond drainage and filling which destroys breeding habitat. Road mortality during spring and autumn migration between ponds and terrestrial habitat is significant. Development that fragments terrestrial habitat isolates populations. Pesticide use in agricultural areas around ponds reduces aquatic invertebrate prey. Climate-driven drought can desiccate small ponds during breeding season.

What You Can Do

Create or restore ponds in gardens and on farms as breeding habitat
Support district-level licensing schemes that fund newt habitat creation
Drive carefully on roads near known newt migration routes in spring
Participate in Froglife volunteer surveys to help map newt distribution
Campaign for improved protection of agricultural ponds under planning policy