In 2026 South East Water partnered with NatureSpace to run a strategic licensing scheme for great crested newts – saving time and money whilst funding large-scale, long-term conservation that delivers greater benefits for wildlife than ‘traditional’ site-by-site licensing.

As of May 2026, South East Water holds a great crested newt licence which covers their entire operational area. Any works by South East Water or their sub-contractors can be covered. NatureSpace facilitates the scheme on South East Water’s behalf, handling all project applications, assessments, administration and habitat delivery.