wes_von_papineäu
Our Roving Correspondent
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SALISBURY JOURNAL (UK) 20 August 09 Spotlight is turned on the great crested newt (Therasa Paul)
Where are all our great crested newts?
The truth is, we are not exactly sure, but we will soon have a much clearer idea thanks to a new project, which aims to identify the ponds in Hampshire most likely to support populations of this species.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's Biodiversity Information Team, in conjunction with Hampshire's Amphibian and Reptile Group (HARG), is currently working on the project and together they have already started filtering through more than 400 records held on the HARG species database.
Mapping and habitat information will be used to validate and establish grid references for each record.
Some records date back to the 1980s and there is no certainty the newts or the ponds are still there, so ponds will be identified from this process for further investigation.
The results of this process will then be incorporated into the rolling programme of pond surveys which is undertaken by HARG each spring and summer.
The information gathered will help local authorities, Natural England and the Environment Agency with their strategic planning and decisions on development control.
It will also enable the Trust and others to direct resources to conserve the species and habitats.
Hampshire's great crested newts are legally protected and recognised as a UK and Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.
The new research project is funded by the Environment Agency. If anyone can help provide information on any great crested newt ponds or would like to help with this project please contact Jane Somerville at the Wildlife Trust on 01489 774400 or look at www.hwt.org.uk
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/n...potlight_is_turned_on_the_great_crested_newt/
Where are all our great crested newts?
The truth is, we are not exactly sure, but we will soon have a much clearer idea thanks to a new project, which aims to identify the ponds in Hampshire most likely to support populations of this species.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's Biodiversity Information Team, in conjunction with Hampshire's Amphibian and Reptile Group (HARG), is currently working on the project and together they have already started filtering through more than 400 records held on the HARG species database.
Mapping and habitat information will be used to validate and establish grid references for each record.
Some records date back to the 1980s and there is no certainty the newts or the ponds are still there, so ponds will be identified from this process for further investigation.
The results of this process will then be incorporated into the rolling programme of pond surveys which is undertaken by HARG each spring and summer.
The information gathered will help local authorities, Natural England and the Environment Agency with their strategic planning and decisions on development control.
It will also enable the Trust and others to direct resources to conserve the species and habitats.
Hampshire's great crested newts are legally protected and recognised as a UK and Hampshire Biodiversity Action Plan priority species.
The new research project is funded by the Environment Agency. If anyone can help provide information on any great crested newt ponds or would like to help with this project please contact Jane Somerville at the Wildlife Trust on 01489 774400 or look at www.hwt.org.uk
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/n...potlight_is_turned_on_the_great_crested_newt/