Newt and Toad Count

Last night's newt and toad count didn't attract many visitors, sadly, but quality, not quantity was the order of the evening - both in term of the experts on hand, the high interest shown by those who did join us and the great display of newts!!

This was a joint event organised by Langdyke and the Wildlife Trusts as part of our John Clare Country partnership project which aims to build public interest in the natural environment around the villages west of Peterborough, as well as creating new habitats at Torpel and Swaddywell. Laura Watson from the Wildlife Trust proved to be a perfect guide to the delights of newts, ably supported by the rest of the team. For my part, I provided a torch!

The evening started with the discovery of a singing grasshopper warbler from the scrub by the double metal gates into the top field. This is the first time I have heard one at Swaddywell in the spring - one sang from the Ailsworth Road field, nearby, late one summer.

And we soon found another exciting discovery - two new born lambs. This makes three in this flock (and two more at Marholm). We have deliberately tried to keep numbers down this year, as the flock has grown to over 60 sheep - a few too many for the land we need to graze.

The newts were in view as soon as we reached the ponds in the pit. Smooth or common newts seemd to be everywhere - I think we must have found 50 at least - and the larger, more impressive great crested newts were fairly easy to find too, including one female that we were able to net and put in a display tray for a minute or two. Laura pointed out to us that the pattern of spots on the tummy of each newt is unique - like a finger print - and skillfully turned the newt over to show us just how striking these patterns are. The newt was carefully returned to the water it came from. In total we found about 12 great crested newts, not as many as in the past, but we didn't have to search hard for these - so there were probably many more around. We also found one toad and lots of dragon fly larvae, water beetles and other pond life.

All in all a very successful visit, even if I did lead the group into deep water - i.e. the sort that goes over the top of your boots!

Hopefully more people will join us next year for what is a fascinating evening and lots of fun!

Richard Astle