The great crested newt is one of Britain’s most strictly protected amphibian.
They are a European protected species and the animals, its eggs, their breeding sites and resting places are all protected by law.
Wild Ground, the wildlife conservation charity, own and manage nature reserves across North East Wales with their primary focus being the protection of amphibians and reptiles, specifically the protected great crested newt. Each year sees a survey (under licence) of the newts as part of a long-term monitoring partnership across North Wales.
The jewel in the crown is the Lane End Nature Reserve in Flintshire which hosts the largest Great Crested Newt population in North Wales – with counts exceeding 1,300!
By conducting multiple surveys Wild Ground get a more accurate read on the actual population. This is because it is difficult to spot all the newts present on any single survey, for example, some being hidden behind plants or in muddy water, or because they are less active when the weather is cold.
Duncan Crawford a Reserve Officer for Wild Ground is currently working on a project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which aims to protect our local amphibians called "Meet The Amphibians". The project hopes to engage a wide range of people with the aim of increasing understanding and support for amphibians and improving conditions for them across our northeast Wales reserves.
Duncan Crawford, Wild Ground Reserve Officer said, “Sadly at present volunteer opportunities are limited due to Covid guidelines but we are hoping to run some night-time newt searches when restrictions ease and it is safe to do so. If you are interested please get in touch and register your interest by emailing me, duncan.crawford@wild-ground.org.uk and we will be in contact when we are able to resume bookings”.