Excellent habitats for the great crested newts are not only great for the charismatic amphibians but also for the overall health of your garden’s ecosystem. A perfectly designed swimming pond provides the perfect union of clean water, shelter, and breeding ground, which becomes a haven for newts and other animals.
Burtons Aquatics specialises in creations of natural water features, as part of biodiversity measures, with ponds being beautiful and functional. That Pond Guy, an expert in aquatic habitats whom one can trust can share experience on how correctly designed pond can turn the place into sanctuary for protected species such as great crested newt.
Why Great Crested Newts Love Swimming Ponds
Great crested newts are choosey about where they live, and a swimming pond has all the attributes. In contrast to the traditional garden ponds, swimming ponds have regeneration zones, which are shallow areas containing a lot of plant life, removed from the area of swimming.
These zones resemble natural wetlands; they are rich in vegetation for the newts to lay eggs and hide from predators. The lack of fish in these regions is very important, as fish can feed on larvae of newts.
With a purified well, well-oxygenated water and lots of dapping covers, a swimming pond becomes the ideal nursery for these fascinating beings.
Balancing Sun, Shade, and Shelter
Water is not the only thing, but the place itself is in a great crested newt’s ideal pond. These amphibians require both sunlight and shade to control their body temperatures and not overheat. Native edge species like reeds and grasses planted around the edges will provide shade and refuge when newts come ashore.
Placing logs, rocks and leaf litter along the pond adds key terrestrial habitat, particularly during summer when newts leave the water more frequently. A well-designed pond with slopes and varying depths ensures that newts can move easily between land and water as they grow.
Maintenance That Supports Wildlife
A light touch is necessary when making a pond newt-friendly. Over-cleaning or the use of chemicals can interfere with the ecosystem balance. Rather, natural filtration aided by aquatic plants ensures the quality of water without injuring wildlife.
Seasonal care is of equal importance – leaving the pond frozen in winter and topping up the levels during summer help stabilize the environment all year round. By not making significant renovations during the breeding season (March to June), Pond owners may preserve their eggs and larvae while enhancing the habitat at less risky periods.
A Small Effort with Big Rewards
It is not about the conservation of swimming ponds but more about making the pond alive, dynamic and a haven for great crested newts. From observing the newts perform their graceful underwater courtship dances to catching sight of other visitors, such as dragonflies and frogs, an intelligently designed pond delivers unlimited interest.
With people like That Pond Guy and shops such as Burtons Aquatics, it has never been simpler to create a pond that is good for both wildlife and people. After all, a garden with protected species is a lively garden.
