HOW TO - Identify British Newts

Video showing the main differences between the three species of native newts in the UK:
The Palmate Newt (Lissotriton [formerly Triturus] helveticus), the Smooth or Common Newt (Lissotriton [formerly Triturus] vulgaris) and the Great Crested or Warty Newt (Triturus cristatus).
Also described is pond conditions suitable for newts, ideal plants for spawning and viewing tips.
For further information on native newt identifcation, please visit: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/identification.htm
Great Crested Newts were found during a pond repair and housed in sectional pond for duration of works (5 hours) then all were released back to pond. All pond repair work done in line with the Great Crested Newt conservation handbook. Some shots taken in and around my polytunnel in my garden later in the evening which has native populations of all 3 types of newt.
Please no ignorant comments about legal handling of Great Crested Newts. For temporary disturbance during habitat creation or improvement, no license is required provided English Nature guidelines are followed. The guidelines were improved upon as all excess weed removed from pond was placed on mesh over wheelbarrows so invertebrates could be collected, stored in sectional pond and returned to the pond unharmed.
This video is intended for reference to help viewers identify newts they may find in their own ponds or during pond dipping excursions.

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[JustJD77]

I hope you have a license to be handling those newts.

[pondguru]

The temporary disturbance of newts + other amphibians does not require a license, man. When I clean out a pond I house all creatures (and pond water) in a sectional pond along with plants etc. Once the cleaning is done, all life is returned with original water. No species is any more important than another to me - they all go back safe.

When I see volunteer groups, led by 'experts' going at it like demented morons, my heart sinks.

I am a specialist, not an 'expert'.

Big difference.

[ga222a]

hi there i was building my pond today and a newt came from no where i hope you can shed some light on my new guest.

[pondguru]

Just checked it out on your channel. Great crested newt - female. Excellent.

[dklautari]

I've edited the footage but I'm having trouble saving the file to CD so I can load it onto this PC. Hopefully, I'll figure out what to do.

[pondguru]

I'm hopeless with computers and a butcher when editing so I can't be of much help unfortunately...

[jackoalltheway]

@JustJD77 license .....what a jobsworth twat

[ibwaheemi]

@ga222a

there must be another pond within half a kilometre if you got a newt out the blue

[dklautari]

No sweat. Every time I try to do something new on a PC there's a hurdle to jump. I'll either figure it out or get a spod to sort it.

[pondguru]

If you do get a vid, send it to me - it'll be interesting to see what it is.