GREAT crested newts have been growing in population in two new Hampshire freshwater ponds.

A small colony of the protected species which were discovered at Broadmead Trees, part of Hillier Gardens and have more than tripled in size over the past four years, according to monitoring by Pro Vision ecologists.

Two new ponds were created and planted with native aquatic plant species to make up for the loss of the original pond at Broadmead Trees earmarked for development into a new reservoir.

Pro Vision ecologists, who are licensed by government to handle great crested newts, counted, captured and relocated the newt population to the new ponds.

Martin Hillier, senior manager at Broadmead Trees, said: “I am happy that we have been able to support this endangered species, whilst still being able to harvest our rainfall with the new reservoir for our irrigation needs.”

Pro Vision ecologist Ruth Holland, who was involved in monitoring and maintaining the ponds, said the numbers of great crested newts had more than tripled from a peak count of 9 in the original pond.

She said: “In 2015 and 2016, there was only low numbers; however, in 2017 and 2018 the peak counts jumped to 31 and 32, respectively, with evidence of eggs. This confirms the great crested newts had taken to the new ponds well and are most definitely using them for breeding.”

She added: “Just because you create a suitable habitat, it doesn’t necessarily mean a species will use it. But if monitoring shows year-on-year increases, you know you got it right.”

Hillier Nurseries commissioned Pro Vision Ecology to conduct a Phase 1 survey to assess the site where it wanted to build a new reservoir to identify any habitats important for wildlife. After identifying the pond, ecologists completed further Phase 2 surveys which showed protected great created newts were present.

Any development on sites where great crested newts are present requires an application to Natural England for a licence to move the protected species out of harm’s way.

The rare species of newt is the most endangered of the three British newts, and are also the largest. Great crested newts have suffered huge declines nationally, mainly due to habitat loss, and they are protected under European and UK law.

Hillier Nurseries created more habitat than it removed, creating two ponds for the one lost plus log piles on nearby land for the newts to hibernate in over winter.