Global News - September 2007

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London looks to save rare newts

Thu 27 September 2007 17:00 UK — Europe

The London Development Agency (LDA) has revealed that it is to act to protect rare newts living in the capital.

Rare great crested newts will have their own special habitat within the wildlife area of a new cycle circuit site that the LDA is developing in the Hainault area of the city.

According to the LDA, the endangered species are being relocated as part of the preparation work to build a new cycle circuit and off-road trails at Hog Hill.

After careful consideration and planning, the LDA came up with a plan to move the newts to their new environment. The scheme has now been approved by charities working to protect the creatures.

Workers will now start to carefully move the newts to their newly-built haven.

Vincent Bartlett, LDA planning manager, explained: "We are making a receptor area by enhancing an existing pond and adding wooden logs and foliage - ideal habitat for newts to live and hibernate in. It will be a haven within a picturesque cycling site.

Pete Lawrence, a senior ecologist at Land Use Consultants, explained that the UK population of great crested newts had dropped significantly in recent years "because of habitat loss - particularly of ponds - due to the intensification of farming and development".

He added: "The new circuit will be a safe spot, providing habitat for them to foliage for insects and grubs and hibernate in winter. They come out at night when the cyclists have left because it is too dry for them in the daytime."

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