Mitigation
Project
Great crested newt survey and mitigation programme including creation of new ponds.
Aim
To create replacement ponds for local population of newts to compensate for loss of swimming pool during redevelopment of house and grounds.
Outcome
Two new ponds created used by newts and other wildlife. Good numbers of great crested and smooth newts present during subsequent monitoring work.
C rucis Park farm, Cirencester comprised a large house and grounds, including a disused swimming pool, formal gardens with fountain and established ponds and woodland block.
As part of the redevelopment of the house and grounds, the swimming pool was to be removed. This, and the other ponds that would not be affected, supported a population of great crested newts. As part of the mitigation and under a Natural England licence, two new ponds were created, one within the woodland block and one at the edge of the wood in the corner of an arable field. These were created and established prior to the removal of the swimming pool. In addition hibernacula were created next to the new ponds.
