Newts are thriving at One Horton Heath

There’s some exciting wildlife news from One Horton Heath, with recent surveys finding all three of the UK’s native newt species across the development.

Surveys carried out onsite found Great Crested, Smooth and Palmate Newts, as well as newt eggs and young newts, known as efts.

At the ponds to the north of One Horton Heath, by the Allington Lane roundabout, all three species were recorded. 35 young newts were also found across the six larger ponds, while Great Crested Newt eggs were spotted in one of the ponds.

The surveys also found all three species further south, including Great Crested Newts and newt eggs in the existing ponds.

The results are a positive sign that the ponds and green spaces at One Horton Heath are providing suitable places for amphibians to live and breed.

And it’s not just newts making use of these spaces. The surveys also recorded frogs, toads, slow worms and young grass snakes, along with a range of aquatic insects including Great Diving Beetles, Water Scorpions and Water Stick Insects.

The ponds form part of the wider network of green spaces and habitats being created at One Horton Heath, helping to support wildlife alongside the new homes and infrastructure.

The surveys were carried out by the ecology team with help from colleagues across One Horton Heath, countryside and planning, helping to build a better picture of the wildlife using the site.

OHH team member using a clear bottle to trap newts for the survey, after being released back into the pond