The smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) are the UK most widespread newt species. Both depend on clean, fish-free ponds and surrounding terrestrial habitat for their survival and welfare.
Both species face ongoing decline through pond degradation, introduction of fish and non-native invasive plants such as New Zealand pigmyweed, and loss of connected terrestrial habitat. Smooth and palmate newts can be legally trapped for survey purposes but require care to avoid injury and thermal stress. Pond management that removes fish and invasive plants can dramatically increase population densities within a few seasons. Newts in garden ponds face risk from predatory invertebrates, pollution from decking treatments, and disturbance. Maintaining natural pond margins with emergent plants gives larvae shelter and supports the prey invertebrates that newts depend on.