Great crested newts are native British amphibians that have seen dramatic declines in their populations since the 1950s, despite protection under UK and EU law. Since 1900, an estimated 50% of the UK’s ponds have been lost, reducing the availability of suitable newt habitat.

NWKCP is working with Natural England to create a network of great crested newt habitat at a landscape scale. We are restoring ponds in the areas of Sevenoaks, Dartford, and Gravesham to increase the number of suitable breeding ponds for great crested newts.

We are seeking landowners with natural ponds in poor condition that can be restored under this scheme. Qualifying ponds are fully funded under the scheme and there is virtually no paperwork involved for landowners.

Ponds eligible for restoration with NWKCP must:

• NOT currently be suitable to support great crested newts
• Be either overgrown with scrub and trees or be entirely dominated by plants such as
  reedmace and common reed with no or minimal water
• Have a base of thick black anaerobic sediment covered by no or minimal water
• Be located close to existing suitable terrestrial habitat
• NOT be fed by pipes and ditches that drain arable fields. Spring-fed ponds with no
  inflows, or ponds that drain non-improved meadow land or woodland are ideal.
• NOT support highly valuable trees or protected/priority habitats or species. If mature
  oak, ash or elm trees are present (particularly on the southern and western banks of
  the pond) the pond is unlikely to be suitable for restoration
• NOT support invasive non-native species.

Help us to support this rare amphibian and other local wildlife, while also enjoying the benefits of a beautiful pond on your land. If you think you have a pond suitable for restoration under this scheme, contact Nina at nina.skinner@kent.gov.uk or complete our Expression of Interest form.

You can check whether your pond is located within our project areas on our interactive map.

References

Natural England. (2019). Protecting great crested newts.

Natural England. (2023). NECR490 Agricultural Ponds Review TEP Report (NECR490).