Great Crested Newts in Whittlesford

In the 1980s our wildlife expert Ashley Arbon was involved in digging a large pond to rehome some Great Crested Newts that were being hampered and disturbed by developments elsewhere in the village.

Eco Whittlesford had a "Newt Night" on 26 April 2023 - (see poster) A cheerful group of 23 adults and 5 children met at The Grove, home of Professor Sir John and Lady Gurdon, to whom we are very grateful for their hospitality. The small crowd spread around the pond to spot newts as they gradually emerged at dusk. It is illegal to handle or disturb great crested newts, a protected species, except with a special licence, which Ashley has. The locals spotted newts with torches and Ashley carefully netted some lovely specimens for closer examination - male and female pairs of both great crested and common smooth newt. After a short period, all the newts were released unharmed.

All participants had a great time, and a few laughs! When Ashley explained the mating ritual of newts, where the male wafts pheromones towards the female with his tail, "Brut 33, or whatever", Eleanor quipped "Should that be Newt 33?"