Smooth Newts

The recent sunnier weather has led to sightings of the Smooth Newt in ponds, as they take to the water to breed after their winter hibernation.  Here’s some in a pond on Windmill Allotments in Radford…

Garden ponds are an important habitat for these miniature “water-dragons”, as well as being one of the best features to create in a garden for wildlife in general.  Such ponds are especially attractive to newts if the pond is near suitable hibernation habitat, such as piles of logs or stones.