RAUK - Archived Forum - Posts by LyndsaySwinton:

Please can you help me identify this newt.  The picture was taken in August, and the 4 newts turned up one rainy day in the dogs waterbowl, outside.  I live in Oban, on the coast of NW Scotland.

It doesn't match with either the smooth or palmate newt decsriptions I've read, so was hoping you can help!

Regards

Lyndsay

PS I released them into the pond in our garden, fed by a hill stream, which is probably acidic water.  I have seen similar newts hanging out in the pond.

PPS I couldn't upload the image, so have sent picture by email.

Thanks for all the replies!

My concern at the moment is that there are plans to build several "infill" houses in green spaces around my house.  I am concerned that the newts (and many other visitors to my garden) will be adversely impacted by the building and subsequent houses due to drainage of the boggier areas, concrete, pet cats etc.

What are your views on the potential impact, and are there any preventive measures that I could take to maintain habitat for the newts?  The developer is at the outline planning stage with the council, so it may be possible to stipulate some environmental conditions......?

Regards

Lyndsay

Thanks for your advice.  I will check out the local area plan.  I am resigned to the fact that the development will probably go ahead, but want to do as much as possible to support the local wildlife.

We've got a kestrel that visits daily, eating birds who use the bird table, buzzards, a barn owl, 2 tawny owls, bats, bull finches, woodpeckers, tree creepers to name a few.... and chantarelle mushrooms :>)

Lyndsay