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<u>LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH </u>(Chorley, UK) 26 January 07 New home for newts colony (Gordon McCully)
Work has been carried out to improve the habitat of a colony of great crested newts in Chorley.
The pond in Saunders Wood, at the end of Lower Burgh Way, was once a popular breeding site and habitat for the protected species, but in recent years it has become overgrown and filled with natural debris.
The work, which was carefully timed to coincide with the hibernation season, was done by Chorley Borough Council in conjunction with English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, which is managing the development of the land next to Saunders Wood.
Ecologists from nature preservation consultancy TEP, which specialises in newt protection, were also brought in to provide advice and help ensure the best possible environment for the newts was created.
Tree stumps and logs were also buried close to the pond and in the woods, providing additional spots for the newts to hibernate, as well offering an ideal environment in which beetles and other insects can thrive.
The improvements should also help to attract other types of wildlife to the area such as ducks, frogs, water hens and dragonflies.
Councillor Peter Malpas, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: "The great crested newt is a European protected species so it's really important that we do everything we can to help the population grow."
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/chorley/headlines/display.var.1150861.0.new_home_for_newts_colony.php
Work has been carried out to improve the habitat of a colony of great crested newts in Chorley.
The pond in Saunders Wood, at the end of Lower Burgh Way, was once a popular breeding site and habitat for the protected species, but in recent years it has become overgrown and filled with natural debris.
The work, which was carefully timed to coincide with the hibernation season, was done by Chorley Borough Council in conjunction with English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, which is managing the development of the land next to Saunders Wood.
Ecologists from nature preservation consultancy TEP, which specialises in newt protection, were also brought in to provide advice and help ensure the best possible environment for the newts was created.
Tree stumps and logs were also buried close to the pond and in the woods, providing additional spots for the newts to hibernate, as well offering an ideal environment in which beetles and other insects can thrive.
The improvements should also help to attract other types of wildlife to the area such as ducks, frogs, water hens and dragonflies.
Councillor Peter Malpas, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: "The great crested newt is a European protected species so it's really important that we do everything we can to help the population grow."
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/chorley/headlines/display.var.1150861.0.new_home_for_newts_colony.php