The palmate newt tolerates more acidic conditions than other British newts, breeding in upland moorland pools as well as lowland ponds, facing pressures from acid rain and habitat change.
Atmospheric acid deposition historically damaged upland pond quality and amphibian populations. Recovery of acidified pools has benefited palmate newts in some areas. Loss of upland pool habitats through drainage and land improvement removes breeding sites. Climate change altering pool hydrology affects breeding season length.