Spotlight wild ponds

Shine a torch on a pond at night and meet a newt! Check out our Newt Feature Creature for a look at this amazing amphibian.

Handy Newt facts

The breeding season begins immediately after winter dormancy in February or March, depending on temperature, and continues until Mid-June. Females lay their eggs individually on submerged vegetation and fold the leaf over them to protect against predators.

Newts leave the ponds during the summer, moving into terrestrial habitat to feed on invertebrates such as earthworms and insects. They go into hibernation around October, however will remain active until night-time temperatures drop below 5°C. Over-wintering sites for newts are sheltered, damp, cool, and frost-free such as; underground cracks and crevices, rotting tree stumps, and rock or log piles.

The general rule for newts is to look, but not touch. Our newts are protected by law, and moving or handling them without the proper authority can land you in serious trouble. For a more hands-on encounter with newts, contact your local trust.