Project launched to save the great crested newt in Yorkshire

A new scheme to preserve newt populations in Yorkshire has been launched allowing landowners to apply for funds to create and restore ponds.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England have said all project works will be carried out by themselves - including planning permission.

All residents will need to do is allow occasional site visits and maintain the pond every now and then.

It's hoped the conservation scheme will provide new homes for the rich biodiversity present across Leeds and Yorkshire | Kevin Caster

placeholder image — It's hoped the conservation scheme will provide new homes for the rich biodiversity present across Leeds and Yorkshire | Kevin Caster

The project will help to preserve the Great Crested Newt for generations to come in Yorkshire.

The YWT says it’s expected that newts and other wildlife will naturally populate the ponds, forming new long-term habitats and mitigating the impacts of previous developments.

To express an interest, email the YWT team at [email protected] with the following information:

Name, contact details, and the address of your site
A 10 figure grid reference (or What3Words) locating each of the proposed or existing ponds you are interested in getting funded
Title your email ‘GCN pond funding’

This is a Yorkshire-wide venture as submissions are being welcomed from Leeds, Wakefield, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North York Moors National Park, York and North Yorkshire.

For more information, visit this link here to get ponding!