Volunteers work to protect rare newts in Swindon's wildlife habitats
People have been clearing rubbish and vegetation from a pond in Haydon End, to give great crested newts a better chance to breed
Community members in Swindon are stepping up to help protect wildlife habitats, focusing particularly on one of the UK's rarest amphibians—the great crested newt.
In partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Swindon Borough Council, volunteers recently participated in a habitat management day at Haydon End pond to improve living conditions and help the newts breed.
This initiative is part of the ongoing Swindon Forest Meadows project, aimed at protecting and connecting critical wildlife areas across the borough.
Volunteers engaged in activities such as removing rubbish, managing vegetation, and creating features conducive to the newts' natural habitats.
Swindon Borough Council say the unusually dry summer allowed access to rarely exposed parts of the pond, presenting an opportunity to enhance conditions before regular water levels return.
The Swindon Forest Meadows project supports approximately 25 ponds that provide homes to great crested newts, ensuring connectivity and resilience of wildlife habitats.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Council are now encouraging more residents to get involved in volunteering opportunities available through the project.
Alongside pond conservation, local people can support work in meadows and woodlands, as well as tree planting and tree care schemes across Swindon.
Councillor Jake Chandler, Swindon Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure, said: “Projects like this are incredibly important for protecting and enhancing biodiversity across Swindon.
“Great crested newts are one of the UK’s rarest amphibians and we’re fortunate to have populations living across our borough. Looking after these habitats takes time, care and dedication, which is why the support of volunteers is so valuable.
“As well as helping wildlife thrive, volunteering is a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, meet new people and make a real difference to the environment. I would encourage anyone with an interest in nature to come along and get involved.”
Neil Pullen, Conservation Officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The Swindon Forest Meadows project has been running for several years and we’ve already welcomed more than 50 volunteers who have helped us care for wildlife habitats across the Borough.
“From restoring ponds for great crested newts to managing meadows, woodlands and planting trees, volunteers make a huge contribution to nature recovery in Swindon.
“Some volunteers have even gone on to gain specialist training and licences to support protected species work. There are opportunities for everyone, whatever your experience, and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.”