I am really keen on wildlife and our environment. It has been a passion of mine for all my life. Indeed we have crossed continents to capture a glimpse of a rare and fabled animal, or bird!
But often there is rare and unique animal really close to home. Yesterday Mary was cleaning and tidying up the garage. She moved a vase and was taken by a little movement. She called me and I found her peering into the vase, “saying what is this?”
I knew straight away that it was a Newt. But in the Garage, and inside a vase? I think Mary’s discovery was a life saving one. The amphibian couldn’t get out of the vase. Not sure how long it had been in that container, in the dark, and in the quietist corner of the garage.
But I took him outside, first christening him with the name “Lucky” and let him go, and he quickly made his way under my Gardening table, with the flotsam and Jetsam of plant pots, and wintering flowers Now he is in the garden, under a scruffy table, with a jumble of plants, all in an untidy appearance, guarding his new hideyhole.
My thoughts are that this is a Great Crested Newt? I am open to be dissuaded. But my instinct tells me that it is.
Anyone like to explain to Mary and I more about this rather colourful amphibian…the ‘Lucky One’ that is! Because without Mary’s intervention – come the spring, I think this rather beautiful creature would have been no more!
So ‘Lucky’ enjoy your life in my back garden, keep well out of sight from all the birds, especially the Magpie! Hope when it is warmer we come across you again… Who would believe a story like that…..
With its prominent, wavy crest, the great crested newt, also known as the ‘Warty newt’, looks like a mini dinosaur! This protected species favours clean ponds during the breeding season.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: up to 17cm
Average lifespan: 6-15 years
Conservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Listed as a European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive.
