Great Crested Newt - info please

Bug Lady · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 04:51 PM

Could anyone please give me some information about the Great Crested Newt and what measures to take if there are sightings in our area.

We border onto a pond which is on the land belonging to two of our neigbours. Another neighbour has reported seeing a Great Crested Newt (by his dustbin?) This he reported to the local Council, who have stopped one of our neighbour's planning application for stables on his land for his old horses. I'm not sure what information the other neighbour has been given, and we have heard nothing except by local chat.

I was just wondering what the next move should be, while I am delighted that these Newts maybe in our area, I'm not sure of the implications of them being there. How do we find out if the Newts are there? and what measures should be taken to protect them?

newt_snuggles · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 04:28 PM

great crested newts are protected under the wildlife and countryside side, making them illegal to distrub and their habitat - ie the area around the pond is protected too.

as for what to do. i would contact your local wildlife trust or ur local amphibian and reptile group (ARG).... failing that im sure your area has a local wildlife community group where someone will take an interest

hope that helps

The Woodman · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 05:41 PM

The Council should request a survey done by a suitably qualified consultant ecologist as they are European Protected Species. Included in that survey should be a species record search. It is important that you log the record with the relevant organisation in your area that keep the records (museum / county wildlife trust).
The presence of an EPS may not stop development as long as mitigation measures are put in place.