Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)

Ecology

Great crested newts spend most part of their lives on land in environments such as coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, their clearings, edges and also in pastures, meadows, parks and even gardens. However they migrate to water in early March to breed and lay eggs in submerged vegetation. Egg laying can reach its peak in May. The water type for reproduction tends to be in permanent stagnant and in semi-flowing slow waters such as ponds with vegetation. Ponds are typically used whereas lakes/lochs, irrigation channels and ditches are rarely used. Although great crested newts can be found in modified habitats they are not considered to be an adaptable species. Great crested newt populations tend not to thrive when habitat is destroyed or becomes too fragmented.

Legislation

The great crested newt is a European protected species and receives full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Schedule 2 of the Conservation Regulations 1994 (Natural Habitats etc.) and it is an offense to intentionally kill or injury newts or to deliberately damage or disturb their habitat. As an area of 500 meters is generally regarded as their terrestrial habitat around a breeding pond, this area is covered by the legislative framework. A European protected species licence, along with a detailed method statement, would have to be obtained if any development activity was to affect the newts and their habitats. The great crested newt is also listed as a Priority Species within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Mitigation

Mitigation plans and detailed method statements  may include maintenance and management of current habitat, as well as creation of terrestrial and aquatic habitat, with the possibility of management of exclusion and translocation projects.