Plans for great crested newt ponds submitted

The great crested newt is found throughout Europe and is a protected species

Plans have been submitted for two ponds in Nidderdale, creating a haven for great crested newts.

Wildscapes, which creates habitats for Natural England, is seeking permission from North Yorkshire Council for the ponds at Delves Ridges near Thornthwaite.

According to planning documents, the amphibians are protected under law and considered an "at risk" species.

A three-week consultation ends on 28 December.

A similar haven was created in Northamptonshire in 2022

Wildscapes CIC has identified the site, which is within the Nidderdale National Landscape (formerly the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), as ideal "for the creation of habitat for, and enhancement of, the population of great crested newts".

Documents state there is "evidence of current and previously existing pond structures" in the surrounding area, including those which had been "lost to agricultural development".

Wildscapes say the ponds would "enhance the local wildlife and biodiversity".

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To help halt the decline of great crested newts, Natural England has established a programme of district level licensing, and property developers whose projects have been identified as having caused the loss of habitat can join the scheme to offset the damage.

A three-week consultation on the pond plans, which can be viewed here, ends on 28 December.