Spring has begun to slowly amble its way north, spreading across the land to reignite natures’ engine once more. Reaching down through the depths of the earth, seed and root awaken to begin or resume their growth; the birds song sounds sweeter and more vibrant as they work in haste to re-establish territory’s to find a mate and build their nests; and bees are a hive of activity restocking their larders of nectar from fresh pollen of newly bloomed flowers.
This is what tells us that spring has arrived because it is obvious to see, hear and smell. But there is one creature that travels by night from their terrestrial winter abodes, to take center stage for a seasonal performance in an underwater amphitheater… the Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus.
Male Great Crested Newt (GCN) are the more exotic of the sexes, with their flamboyant crests (hence the name) running from head to tail, bright orange underbellies with leopard-like black spots and a flash of silver along their tails. With costumes at the ready, males pose and gesture to allure and entice females to breed and pass on their genes to the next generation.
The population of Great Crested Newt are widespread throughout the UK. They need both aquatic and terrestrial habitat, favouring lowland containing medium sized ponds, rough grassland, scrub and woodland. Unfortunately their numbers have declined dramatically and their distribution has become patchy. This decline can be attributed to significant habitat loss, as a result of urban expansion and the development of infrastructure.
Great Crested Newt are European protected species. The animal, its eggs and their breeding sites and resting places are fully protected under UK and European legislation including Wildlife & Countryside Act (as amended) 1981.
If you have a water body within or within proximity to your development land boundaries, you may need a European Protected Species License in order to proceed with the development. If you are unsure whether your pond is suitable, PJC Consultancy is here to help. We offer a wide range of services that will help with your up and coming project. Please see our Legally Protected Species page for more detailed information or contact us directly to discuss your requirements. Our fully qualified and licensed ecological consultants are already busy carrying out a vast range or Great Crested Newt surveys. Contact us now to book your surveys in for the up and coming season.