I was excited to spot a Common/Smooth Newt “Lissotriton vulgaris” in my own pond at home as well as the other day at the fishing lake. We have had frogs before, but as the pond has been establishing itself more life has appeared.
The plants in the pond needed some repotting which is when I spotted the common newt. It swam down into the pond weed before I could get a photo, but I’m sure it will be back to the surface sometime for its photo shoot.
There are several other species of Newts in the UK, Palmate Newt “Lissotriton helveticus” which is found in acidic soils such as heathlands and the Great Crested Newt “Triturus cristatus” which is found in ponds.
I could tell the one in my pond was a smooth/common newt due to its colouring (Grey/Brown) and smooth skin.
Adults grow between 8 and 11 cm long.
The smooth/common newt is the most widespread throughout the UK and Ireland.
Its great to have both Frogs and Newts in the garden to help with the control of grubs and insects.
Image below is of a smooth/common newt taken at the fishing lake/pond.
The bamboo cage around the pond is holding strong against the Heron which is back this year again, eyeing up the all you can eat buffet of fish, so at least this will help to protect the frogs and newts as well.
Sparrowhawk Bushcraft 