A Forgotten Landscape trained volunteers to survey both ponds themselves and Great Crested Newts specifically, in order to provide more accurate mapping of the local species distribution, before working on the creation and restoration of several ponds and wetlands.

The project benefitted local landowners by:

• re-establishing ponds
• contributing towards the drainage of farmland
• providing a greater understanding of the distribution of the protected species
• providing a greater understanding of the appropriate regime of management for both its water and land-based habitat

Pond survey training

The volunteers learnt to identify a variety of aquatic and part-aquatic flora and fauna, then record it correctly. They also gained a better understanding and appreciation of the complex ecology of ponds.

Great Crested Newt training

A group of enthusiastic volunteers also completed training to become licensed surveyors for Great Crested Newts. They collected data on the number, condition and locations of Great Crested Newt colonies to ensure that they are conserved and safeguarded in the future.

Legacy

Altogether A Forgotten Landscape restored eleven ponds in the Lower Severn Vale Levels, which are crucial for this species to breed.

All data was sent to Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre.