Downsview Road was identified by our client as a site for development of some 200 or so new homes. To comply with planning conditions Great Crested Newts were to be translocated away from the construction site to a newly created Newt Habitat Area immediately adjacent to the new homes.

This was to include

• Transforming a plain field into a diverse landscape suitable for amphibians.
• Creation of five new ponds with adjoining scrapes introducing over 2000 sq. ft of new water surface area.
• Creation of a sixth pond as part of the landscaping within the new homes.
• Enhancement of the habitat through planting of trees and shrubs along with seeding the meadow to enrich the grass.
• Creation of hibernacula within the newt habitat area(s).
• Installation of post and rail fence, gates and interpretation/safety boards.

Reason for contract award

• Price.
• Reputation, especially for creating quality newt pond projects.

Outcome of our involvement

• Ponds excavated, profiled and local water diverted to fill, all within time constraints.
• Ponds planted with aquatic plants particularly focused on newts and their breeding patterns.
• Landscaping, including all planting and seeding, along with hibernacula professionally undertaken.
• Boundary post and rail fence further strengthened to mitigate against young children/dogs wandering into to the area and danger.
• Sixth and final pond completed in advance of construction starting in the Autumn.