New homes for habitats – our new deal with the newts | Patrick Barkham

Both rare species and the construction industry could benefit from a new approach to wildlife

With their jagged crests, male great crested newts can look like miniature dragons in breeding season - even though they are only 15cm long - and this rare amphibian is the stuff of monstrous legend in the building trade, a legally protected beast whose presence in any puddle of water halts all grand designs.

Many an urban myth has people dropping great crested newts on to wasteland to thwart construction projects. But the amphibian's status as the nimby's best friend may be coming to an end.

Continue reading...