Great Crested Newt
Triturus cristatus
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Overview
The Great Crested Newt is Britain's largest newt and one of its most legally protected species — it is illegal to disturb them, their eggs, or their habitat without a licence. Males in breeding season have an extraordinary serrated crest running along their back, separate from a second crest on the tail — vivid orange belly and silvery tail flash complete the display. The dune slack ponds at Ainsdale provide good habitat — fish-free, with aquatic vegetation for egg-laying. Surveying requires specialist permission.
At a Glance
| Order | Urodela |
| Family | Salamandridae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond with Soft Rush margins · Ponds near rough grassland · Fish-free still water |
| Diet | Invertebrates, tadpoles, frog spawn — opportunistic predator |
| UK population | Around 400,000 — declining; protected by law. UK holds 40% of world population. |
| Sefton Coast | Present at suitable dune slack ponds on the Sefton Coast — a priority protected species |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Dune slack ponds at Ainsdale NNR and around Formby. Surveying requires a licence.
Identification
Britain's largest newt — much bigger than Smooth or Palmate. Dark grey-brown above with white spots on flanks. Bright orange belly with black spots. Male in spring: large, serrated dorsal crest. Silvery tail stripe in males. Large, warty skin.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Great Crested Newts can be detected using licensed eDNA water sampling (April–June) or licensed torch surveys at night. Do not disturb ponds in the breeding season without a survey licence. Any suspected presence should be reported to Natural England.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is of serious conservation concern in the UK. Its presence on the Sefton Coast is important for local and national monitoring and habitat management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Great Crested Newt so heavily protected?
The Great Crested Newt is listed under the EU Habitats Directive and UK Wildlife and Countryside Act because it has declined severely — pond loss (80% of UK ponds have been lost since the 1900s), fish introduction and habitat fragmentation have reduced populations drastically. The UK holds around 40% of the world population, giving it international responsibility. Any development affecting GCN habitat requires expensive mitigation surveys and licensing.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.