PRESS RELEASE
23 April 2007
Is there a newt in your pond?
Lurking in the cool damp surroundings of Cheshire’s ponds is an amphibian that has prehistoric origins; the newt. Cheshire Wildlife Trust is asking you to take a peek in your pond to see if you might have a resident newt to gain a greater understanding of the species’ presence in the area. The newt is a very special inhabitant of Cheshire, not only is the county home to all three British species, including the rare great crested newt. It also has an abundance of ponds, which has proved to be a blessing for this, the most impressive of newts. However, whilst a great deal is done to safeguard the newt, over time there has been a loss of farm ponds, which means that we can all play our role in ensuring a safe future for the newt.
Newts are increasingly relying on the refuge of garden ponds, and the Trust is urging people to report sightings. Sue Tatman, Wildlife Gardening Officer for Cheshire Wildlife Trust, comments, “Newts are shy creatures, so spotting them can be tricky. However, during April females are laying their eggs, which they each carefully wrap in a leaf, to hide them from predators. If you look around the weeds of your garden pond, you might happen upon these special packages. It’s important that you leave them undisturbed, but if you can let us know then we can add the details to our records.”
You also might uncover a newt whilst gardening. They have a habit of hiding under logs and paving slabs, or even a plastic compost bag. Another way to find newts during the breeding season is to shine a torch into the pond at night. Under the cover of darkness they will move out into open water, and can often be seen climbing through vegetation or resting on the bottom. However, be careful that you don’t break the law, if you find a great crested newt by torchlight this constitutes disturbance, so after finding one you should not search again.
Despite a loss of farm ponds, due to changes in land management, Cheshire still remains a county of ponds and meres, which is why the great crested newt is more common in the county than anywhere else. However, it is still an endangered species, and as such, strictly protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This makes it an offence to harm or disturb the great crested newt.
Newt events
If you are interested in creating a newt friendly pond, or want to find out more about the native newt then you can organise a school visit, or speaking event with James Grundy, writer of Newts in your Pond and Garden. James is an expert in these fascinating creatures and will present a lively discussion, during which you’ll even get the opportunity to meet some newts.
Email jim@newtsinyourpond.com or phone 01625 869921 to book a newt event. You can also purchase a copy of James’ book Newts in your Pond and Garden, priced £9.99, by using the same contact details.
To get in touch with Cheshire Wildlife Trust to report a newt sighting email statman@chehsirewt.cix.co.uk or phone 01948 820728. You can also record your sighting directly onto the Trust’s website
Newt ID
|
Smooth Newt |
Palmate Newt |
Great Crested Newt
|
Length: nose to tail |
8-10cm |
7-8cm |
12-18cm |
Skin |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Rough and ‘warty' |
Back colour |
Green-brown, the male has dark spots on flanks and belly |
Dull brown |
Dark brown to black. Speckling of fine white spots on the flanks |
Belly colour |
Light orange on the female, red with black spots on the male |
Pale yellow, with light freckles |
Bright yellow/orange, with distinct black blotches |
Ends
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