Course: Great Crested Newts - Ecology and Surveys

This advanced course will cover great crested newt identification and ecology, survey techniques, the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), and will include opportunities to practice netting, bottle trapping, torch, and egg searching.

This course will include:

• Species identification
• An overview of legislation
• Great crested newt ecology
• Survey methods, including opportunities to practice netting, bottle trapping, torching, and egg searching
• Survey planning
• Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for great crested newts
• Ways of recording and sharing your results

From the start of 2027, when you purchase this course, a free copy of our Reptiles and Amphibians Guide will be posted to you. If you already have a copy, why not share it with family, friends, or colleagues.

Great crested newts are fully protected in the UK and training/experience is required to gain a Statutory Agency licence to carry out surveys. This course will be delivered through a balance of classroom learning and opportunities to survey for newts at a variety of ponds, practicing the main techniques discussed and identifying the newts found.

Please note – Natural England will accept an attendance certificate from a training course as supporting material towards a great crested newt survey licence. Click this link for more information. All participants will be provided with a certificate for this course on the day.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Confidently identify UK newt species, with a particular focus on great crested newts, and have a knowledge of their ecology that will help you plan surveys
• Describe and carry out a range of survey techniques for sampling for great crested newts
• Share this knowledge with friends, family, fellow volunteers and land managers

Dates and Locations:

• 24th March 2027 - Bishops Wood, Crossway Green, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 9SE
• 30th March 2027 - Rixton Clay Pits, Moat Lane, Rixton, Warrington, WA3 6EE
• 31st March 2027 - Halkyn Parish Hall and Library, Halkyn, Holywell, Flintshire, North Wales, CH8 8ES
• 1st April 2027 - Rixton Clay Pits, Moat Lane, Rixton, Warrington, WA3 6EE
• 9th April 2027 - Killerton House and Estate (National Trust), Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon, EX5 3LE