Our Ecology & Sustainability Manager, Sarah Williams, is undertaking a series of amphibian surveys this summer.
A minimum of six surveys will be carried out at each of the locations, including Greenbelt Group developments near Durham and Wigan, through June 2026.
Legally, these works must be carried out by the holder of a Class 1 Great Crested Newt Survey Licence, as these rare and endangered creatures are protected by law. Strict biosecurity procedures are also in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Techniques involved include torchlight surveys at dusk, egg searching, as well as humane netting and bottle trapping, allowing for greater information to be gathered on the number, gender, species and life stage of the newts, as well as any other amphibians present.
So far, Sarah’s surveys have already established the presence of three different newt species, including the Great Crested Newt, but have also identified toads, tadpoles and frog spawn, as well as bats using the pond surface to hunt for insects.
The information collected will be used to determine the population size and suggest methods to improve the pond’s suitability for newts and other species.
