Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish

Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)

UK Lead Organisations:

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

British Herpetological Society

County Lead Organisation:

N/A

Objectives

Maintain the current range, distribution and viability of existing great crested newt populations.

Policy

Ensure that Structure and Local Plans, and other strategy documents (e.g. LEAPs) contain appropriate policies to protect this species and the habitat it requires. (LAs, EA)
Ensure any examples of sites containing populations of this species and that meet the required criteria are given SBI status. (SBI Grading Committee)
Ensure appropriate sites containing populations of this species meeting the SSSI criteria are designated. (EN)

Protection

The great crested newt is listed on Annexes 11 and IV of the EC Habitats Directive and Appendix II of the Berne Convention. It is protected under Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations, 1994, (Regulation 38) and Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Great crested newt has been listed as a costed, key species in the UK Steering Group Report.

Management, Monitoring, Research and Survey

Seek to target the Environmental Stewardship at areas known to contain great crested newt populations. (DEFRA, FWAG)
Protect all known sites from inappropriate development and other potentially damaging activities. (LAs, NE)
Where appropriate, seek water quality habitat improvements in those water bodies supporting this species. (LAs, EA)
Stoke City Council have recently completed a survey of ponds and great crested newts within the city.
Newt hibernacula have been created or improved at two sites in the County.
Survey work funded by the Environment Agency looked at 32 ponds in Cannock. Great crested newts were found to be present in five of them.

Advisory

Disseminate information on management for great crested newts to advisors, farmers and other land managers through training and workshops. (NE)
Increase species awareness for the public and landowners through education, promotion and events. (SBAP Partnership)
Ensure that all the relevant organisations and agencies are aware of all known populations. (NE, SWT)

Further Information