Our Resident Zoologist/herpetologist (son) Richard has positively identified the presence of Northern (or Greater) Crested Newts in our garden pond.
This is good news, as these Newts are one of only four amphibians which are protected by the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan.
It wouldn't be such good news if we were planning to do extend the house or built in the garden as the authorities would have the power to stop any work that would disturb their habitat. It is an offense to:
- Intentionally kill, injure or take a northern crested newt
- Possess or control any live or dead specimen or anything derived from a northern crested newt
- Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to
any structure or place used for shelter or protection by a northern
crested newt (in practice this means both its breeding sites, and its
terrestrial habitat)
- Intentionally or recklessly disturb a northern crested newt while it
is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose
 |
| Richard finds a Northern Crested Newt |
 |
| Positive ID through the underside markings by photographing through a glass plate |
 |
| Close up of Northern Crested Newt |
kimberly@mail.postmanllc.net
ReplyDelete