GREAT CRESTED NEWT – JOHN BRIDGES
NEWS
New newt ponds
Great crested newts, the largest and rarest of the UK’s newt species, have undergone a huge decline in the last 100 years. By nature of being amphibians, they are dependent on water for part of their life cycle, and great crested newts are particularly sensitive to a clean and healthy home for their offspring. The loss and degradation of ponds has had a catastrophic impact on the species; however, Durham Wildlife Trust is working to reverse this damage by creating a fresh network of ponds tailored for these ‘fire-bellied’ amphibians. Working in partnership with Natural England, the Trust is engaging with landowners across Durham and Darlington to create bespoke newt ponds, with funding made available through the District Level License development mitigation scheme. Pond locations are selected in areas which have the potential to enhance and better support existing great crested newt populations. The scheme aims to make existing populations more robust and widespread, able to withstand future impacts of climate change and stochastic events. Potential pond sites must fulfil a set of important criteria, such as low risk of contamination from run-off and pollution; having an unshaded and sunny south bank; and being in close proximity to good terrestrial habitat for newt activity outside of the breeding season. Having created 14 ponds in early spring, and another 36 being created this summer and autumn, the Trust is delighted to be able to create more good-quality habitat for newts – not to mention the wealth of other wildlife that will reap the benefits. The creation and monitoring of these new ponds also enables us to engage with more landowners across the region, supporting them to become more wildlife-friendly and enjoy the nature on their doorstep. To find out whether you might be eligible to have ponds created on your land, or for more information about the work we are doing, please contact Kirsty, kpollard@durhamwt.co.uk
Adventure Schools are back open for pupils The Trust relaunched its school trips programme to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week this May, which had nature as its theme for 2021. Adventure Schools include a wild day out at either Rainton Meadows or Low Barns nature reserves, with activities including pond dipping, bug hunting, guided walks, and animal and plant identification. Durham Wildlife Trust Director, Jim Cokill, said: “There is so much evidence that spending time with nature is great for mental health, and the challenges of the pandemic have underlined just how important it is to be out in the fresh air. “We are blessed with some wonderful nature reserves in our region with fantastic educational facilities and an expert team ready to support children and young people.” To book an Adventure School visit, go to durhamwt.com/ adventure-schools
