Great Crested Newts

Great Crested Newts are amphibians and therefore they rely on water to breed. The breeding season occurs between March and July, and during these months newts can be found in ponds, which they favour for breeding. During the winter months newts hibernate, for example in log or rubble piles, and therefore suitable terrestrial habitat and connecting corridors from the breeding ponds, in addition to the ponds themselves, must also be conserved in order to help protect their habitat.

Their populations have declined over recent years as a result of the destruction and fragmentation of their habitat and as a result these creatures are protected under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act.

NWS can undertake Great Crested Newt surveys for you, between mid-March and mid-June, for example, on sites that are proposed to be developed. We are able to advise clients should a Defra licence be required following the discovery of this species of newts, and we can advise on and undertake any mitigation required, for example newt translocations and pond creation.