A SURVEY looking at newt activities in a new nature reserve near Romsey has been launched by the council.
Fears have been raised that an increase of activity, such as walking and dog-walking, brought about by the pandemic and its lockdowns, has endangered the protected species.
Abbotswood Nature Reserve is home to a breeding population of great crested newts.
They are a protected species, however some residents fear that dogs swimming in the water have meant the newts are under threat.
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A spokesperson, said: “The new way-markers for the arts trail in Abbotswood are now in the ground around the perimeter path. The markers are a fantastic addition to Abbotswood and are intended to help way-finding for residents and visitors to navigate around the development and include sign posting to the local centre, play areas, sports fields and nature reserve.
“The nature reserve is managed for wildlife and people and we welcome visitors to explore and be trusted to walk their dogs under effective control. Managing space for visitors with dogs is balanced with the need to manage of the site for wildlife, specifically great crested newts. We do this by restricting access to the main breeding ponds on site through fencing and specific management of the meadows areas and scrub. This is proving to be successful with our latest survey for the species of newts recording 163 of them within the hour. Further ecological surveys are planned over the summer including the ongoing butterfly transect, a survey of insects and birds. We are always looking for volunteers to help us so please get in touch if you would like to help!”
For more information about the reserve, visit testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/naturereserves/abbotswood-anc.
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