Great Crested Newt Survey at Chorleywood

On the day we might have the opportunity to closely study three species of newts: the native and protected great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), the native smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), and the exotic non-native Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris).

On the evening of the 16th May (Thursday) we will meet and briefly discuss survey methods at the meeting location (car park). We will then head to the ponds for egg searching and to place the bottle traps. We will then wait for the dark to start torching. With the sunset at 20:54, we will probably start torching the ponds around 21.30. If we have enough time, we will survey five ponds. There will be time for chatting while walking between ponds and waiting for the night, so bring snacks and drinks if you want and warm clothes.

We strongly advice you bring wellies and your own (head) torch for moving around, two survey torches and all necessary equipment will be provided by the surveyor. Although we will not cross any roads, we will be surveying and walking the common at night, so feel free to wear a High viz jacket.

On the next day, the 17th of May (Friday) we will meet at the same location at 6:30am to collect the bottle traps and identify the species collected. After the release of the animals, we are all free to go, probably around 7.45-8am. If anyone is interested we can go for a quick breakfast nearby.

On the day we might have the opportunity to closely study three species of newts: the native and protected great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), the native smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), and the exotic non-native Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris).

On the evening of the 16th May (Thursday) we will meet and briefly discuss survey methods at the meeting location (car park). We will then head to the ponds for egg searching and to place the bottle traps. We will then wait for the dark to start torching. With the sunset at 20:54, we will probably start torching the ponds around 21.30. If we have enough time, we will survey five ponds. There will be time for chatting while walking between ponds and waiting for the night, so bring snacks and drinks if you want and worm clothes.

We strongly advice you bring wellies and your own (head) torch for moving around, two survey torches and all necessary equipment will be provided by the surveyor. Although we will not cross any roads, we will be surveying and walking the common at night, so feel free to wear a High viz jacket.

On the next day, the 17th of May (Friday) we will meet at the same location at 6:30am to collect the bottle traps and identify the species collected. After the release of the animals, we are all free to go, probably around 7.45-8am. If anyone is interested we can go for a quick breakfast nearby.

Logistics

On Thursday 16th May we will meet at the car park in Chorlwywood common at 7.30pm.

On Friday 17th May we will meet at the same location at 6:30am.

Car Park at Common Road, Chorleywood, Three Rivers, Hertfordshire, England, WD3 5LW,

TQ 02720 96167
what3words: begun.salt.luck

The car park is free but you might have to display a ticket.

The event is free but you need to book as we can only have a limited number of surveyors around each pond and equipment available.