Natural habitat of the newts being lost Rare newts given help with habitats

PONDS DUG AND SITES IMPROVED FOR AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

WORK has begun to restore ponds and provide habitats for endangered great crested newts.

The county council has joined forces with Natural England to help conserve the native amphibians.

Great crested newts, one of the UK’s three native species, have seen a sharp decline in their populations over the past 60 years, despite being protected by law.

This is largely down to loss their natural habitat.

Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council acting deputy leader and cabinet member for action on climate change, said: “The protection of the county’s green lands and its wildlife are essential in delivering a greener future.

“By developing and conserving these sites, we’re not only helping to build more resilience into our living landscapes, protecting the of great crested newt for future generations, we’re also strengthening our commitment to biodiversity.”

The project aims to make existing ponds more attractive to the great crested newt and introduce new ponds.

Annabelle Phillips, great crested newt strategist at Natural England, said: “Our innovative licensing scheme works by creating bigger, better, and more joined-up habitat for this threatened species.

“We’re delighted to be working with Leicestershire local authorities and partners to bring this about.”

Brabazon Farm, in Mowsley, and a Kibworth Schools Trust site were identified by Natural England as being areas that could help improve the numbers of and habitat for the species.

Further sites in Leicestershire’s country parks are planned for future habitats, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the species.

Preparation work has begun on one of the sites.

It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.