Cold Springs Great Crested Newt Ponds, Penrith

Pond Creation for Great Crested Newts - Cumbria Wildlife Trust

As the contractor, we were tasked with creating three new ponds, each with an average surface area of 250-350m², designed to provide suitable habitat for great crested newts (GCNs). The design and construction of these ponds took into account the species' specific needs for breeding and habitat development.

Key Works Undertaken:

• Surface Area: Each pond was created with a surface area between 150m² and 1000m², optimised to provide the right conditions for GCNs, with particular focus on smaller to medium-sized ponds as they are most effective for GCNs, especially when found in clusters.

• Maximum Depth: The ponds were designed with a maximum central depth of 1m, with the largest ponds allowing for a depth of up to 2.5m to provide depth variation within the habitat.

• Variable Bank Gradients: The pond banks were graded to a 1:10 ratio, or ideally 1:20, ensuring a range of shallow to deeper areas suitable for a variety of aquatic life.

• Habitat Design: We ensured that the ponds feature a mix of aquatic vegetation to support egg-laying, as well as open, less vegetated areas to allow adult male GCNs to display to females in clear sight, encouraging breeding success.

These new ponds will create a thriving environment for great crested newts and contribute to the wider biodiversity of the area.