Great Crested Newts - the rules

Deb London · #1 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 06:59 AM

Hi guys,

I'd like some advice please. I want to watch Great Crested Newts next year sometime. I assume that if I know a spot, I can observe them (from afar) in the same way that I may observe a Smooth Newt. Can I really do this? If I can find a pond with them in, what are the dos and don'ts? I know how heavily protected they are. Might the answer be that I shouldn't try and observe them at all? I really don't want a fine.

Thanks,

Deb

tom00_uk · #2 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 02:05 PM

go here to see natural England's take on it

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Ima...tcm6-10858.pdf

thunder · #3 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 03:17 PM

The Natural England page is not very helpful when it comes to observation. It is perfectly possible to sit by a pond (with a pair of binoculars for close-up views) and watch Great Crested Newts going about their daily lives, without disturbing them in the slightest. Find your pond and watch and enjoy, Deb London.

henrya

Lance Morgan · #4 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 03:29 PM

What Henrya said

Watch and enjoy but do not disturb.

Deb London · #5 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 06:12 AM

Thank you all for your input. Good to know that what I was planning to do seems to be acceptable.

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 07:59 PM

Don't forget to get some shots if you do find any without disturbing them of course..

Good luck..

Deb London · #7 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 05:21 AM

Thanks Kayleigh. Roll on next year.

thunder · #8 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb London

Thanks Kayleigh. Roll on next year.

There are still newtpoles to watch, and even the occasional adult, in ponds. You don't necessarily have to wait until next year

henrya

Deb London · #9 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 09:39 AM

No, not here, unfortunately. Along with a fierce description of some of the law surrounding this species (didn't dare ask if I could come back and watch them one day) I was told that the "official newt person with a licence" (sorry, don't know their proper title

) had to remove them from one pond, as it was drying up. In another, they emerged, on cue, one week ago.

I had to marvel of the accuracy with which this person predicted the time they would leave the pond.

thunder · #10 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 12:12 PM

Interesting, Deb London. In my pond here in Cambridgeshire the newtpoles are still a week or so away from emerging (and there was at least one adult still swimming about on Tuesday).

henrya