Future is bright for endangered newts in Durham

Dwindling colonies of endangered newts have been saved in County Durham thanks to collaboration between housing group Miller Homes, conservationists and Durham County Council Ecologists.

Before building work commenced on Miller Homes’ The Meadows development in Framwellgate Moor - the former Durham County Council depot site - the house builder commissioned ecological experts to mitigate impact on a colony of great crested newts - a legally protected species in Britain, which were breeding on the land.

As part of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme (SUDS) over 750 great crested newts have been saved from the site, as experts moved all of the newts by hand to specially created habitats near the development, ensuring the population is conserved for the benefit of the community.

As part of the newt and SUDS scheme, which was in excess of £300,000 paid for by Miller Homes, a special fence was also erected around the perimeter of the site to prevent the newts migrating back and potentially being harmed during construction work.

In addition to moving over 750 great crested newts, locally based ecologists have rescued over 2,300 smooth newts, 100 frogs, several toads and even a couple of hedgehogs.

Alex Turner of Ajt Environmental Consultants said: “This is one of the largest populations of great crested newts we have come across. 10 large hibernation sites have been built and these along with the new ponds have helped to ensure the survival of these animals. We have already recorded great crested newts using the new ponds and we would hope for numbers to increase further in 2011”.

Miller Homes technical manager Patrick Arkle said: “We always take great care to ensure that any construction work we do has minimal damage to nature and the environment and we work very closely with ecological experts to put strict measures in place that will benefit the whole community.

“We are delighted with the results from the SUDS ponds and that we have managed to save the endangered newts.”

At The Meadows a selection of three, four and five bedroom homes are available from £220,000 with incentives available. For further information on Miller Homes’ The Meadows development, visit the show homes open five days a week Thursday – Monday from 10:30am – 5:30pm.

Alternatively, visit: millerhomes.co.uk