Safeguarding and supporting a protected species

An isolated newt population 

Foxcombe Farm is an organic livestock farm in Oxfordshire, situated in the Vale of White Horse District Council area. Prior to 2011 just one pond, in poor condition, supported a population of great crested newts on an adjacent landholding – meaning the population was isolated and potentially at risk of local extinction. A newt population requires a network of ponds to thrive, therefore the addition of a further four ponds created by the Million Ponds Project in 2011 provided important extra habitat to allow the newt population to begin to expand. 

Delivering good-quality habitat

Following this initial pond creation scheme, which was successful in expanding the newt population, the Newt Conservation Partnership created an additional three clean water ponds in 2018. This work was funded by NatureSpace’s innovative District Licensing Scheme. Great crested newts have now been recorded in all three new clean water ponds, suggesting that the newt population has been able to grow and become more resilient. By creating well-designed, clean water ponds, we were able to not only support great crested newts, but also provide a home for smooth newts, common frogs, and common toads – a UK priority species for conservation, and a wide range of other freshwater plants and animals.

In addition, 4,000 trees were planted on the surrounding, low-quality grassland to improve the terrestrial habitat for newts and other wildlife – after all, great crested newts spend approximately 75% of the year on land, only using ponds to breed in spring. The site continues to be grazed by cattle which helps to manage vegetation surrounding the ponds and prevents them from becoming overshaded. 

Looking ahead 

Over the next 25 years, the new ponds will continue to be monitored and managed as part of our District Licensing Scheme. Looking ahead, we aim – in collaboration with the Newt Conservation Partnership – to engage surrounding landowners for additional habitat creation and restoration. This will increase the area of good-quality habitat available and improve connectivity with other populations, ensuring a sustainable future for our wildlife. 

Photo progression below: