These gilled creatures were in fact a species of newt. There are three newt species that are native to the UK: the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and the palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus).

The palmate newt is the smallest species, growing to around 8cm in length. On the other hand, the great crested newt is the largest of the three newt species -  reaching up to 16cm in length. Whilst both the smooth and palmate newt are similar in appearance, the dark warty skin of the great crested newt makes it easily identifiable.

This time of year is the best for spotting newts as they are actively breeding. In particular, the smooth newt is the most commonly widespread newt species across the UK and can be located in standing waters from March, sporting their eye-catching orange/ yellow undersides covered in black spots.

All male newt species develop crests during breeding season. However, in addition to this feature, the great crested newt also develops a silver stripe that runs parallel on each side of the tail. Although this stripe may be visible throughout the year, it is more prominent during this time. It is not only a male newts’ crest that aid him during courtship displays, but fanning of the tail to ensure glandular secretion also assists in enticing a breeding mate.

Following successful courtship, males will deposit a spermatozoa capsule (known as spermatophore) near to the female for her to collect and fertilise. Aquatic plants enact as a surface for female newts to lay their eggs - sometimes in numbers up to a few hundred - that in 2-3 weeks hatch into larvae.

Once breeding season comes to a close, newts migrate to damp habitats such as woodlands, marshes and gardens. As the winter months commence and temperatures drop, newts will search for a suitable location to hibernate until the following spring.

What’s the big deal?

Out of all the newt species, the Great Crested Newt has definitely gathered the most media attention over the years. Although widely spread across the UK, the Great Crested Newt has experienced rapid population decline and are nationally threatened.

The largest factor in the decline of this species is habitat loss. Due to their specified habitual requirements being both aquatic and terrestrial, the infilling of ponds, water pollution and human encroachment onto their habitat has resulted in them being granted heavy protection laws.

Subsequently, there has been uproar surrounding these protection laws, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the UK were emerging from the devastating impacts of the first national lockdown, Boris Johnson declared the negative effects newt protection measures were having on building development and the economic disaster the pandemic had caused thus far. All the while, conservationists were urging parliament to ensure that the UK’s economic and environmental ideals were not conflicting.

Protecting our newts

Ensuring we maintain protection laws and conserve newt habitats is essential for repopulating. Although perhaps seemingly insignificant to some, newts contribute greatly to our ecosystem services. For example, the complex lifecycle of the newt results in the cycling of nutrients between water and land. As a result, soil fertility is benefitted.

In addition, they also aid in reducing the risk of insect-borne diseases. Insects such as midges are known for spreading disease, including the bluetongue virus (BTV) amongst livestock. By feeding on midges, newts are reducing the adverse effects of potential disease transmission.

How can you help?

There are several additional steps we can all take to aid in newt conservation here in the UK, as advised by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation:

• Building ponds at home
• Pond restoration
• Managing and providing terrestrial vegetation around ponds
• Monitoring
• Getting in touch with your local biological centre to aid in recording newt observations
• Educating others on the laws and legislations surrounding newt species

For further information on creating and maintaining a suitable amphibian habitat at home, please refer to this handbook  by the Amphibian and Reptile conservation.

Additional information on native newts species and the laws and legislation surrounding the Great Crested Newt can be found in the links below:

Where to see newts
Surveys & licences

By Grace Brady