Nigel Brooke-Smith, an Ecology MSc student at Bath Spa university, analysed Ecosulis Great Crested Newt survey (http://www.ecosulis.co.uk/page/great-crested-newt) data from 2010 and 2011. He found that there is a strong link between habitat (as measured by habitat suitability index or
The weather is becoming milder and amphibians are stirring out of hibernation and there have already been several sightings in ponds. This indicates the start of the great crested newt survey season (mid-March to mid-June)! In preparation, Ecosulis has reflected back on our newt survey results from 79 ponds in 2010 and considers how the relatively new Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) is being used and what benefits it brings to the consideration of newts and works affecting newt habitat.