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Species
Action Plans
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Amphibia
Habitat
Ponds
Ditches
Grazing Marsh
Amphibia on the Greatham Site
The ponds, ditches and wet areas on the Greatham site provide habitat
for Common Frog, Common Toad and Smooth Newt. The freshwater ponds
on site are used for breeding by these 3 species, as are some of
the ditches. The wet grazing marsh on site provides damp habitat
for frogs and toads when not using the ponds. These damp areas can
also provide holes and crevices for hibernation. Frogs and Toads
are common over the site, and breed successfully in the freshwater
ponds.
Status in UK and Europe
Common Frogs are declining in numbers especially in Central and East
England. Otherwise, they are widespread and common.
Common Toads are declining in numbers across North-East England,
but are widespread and abundant across Britain.
Smooth Newt is a widespread and common species across most of Britain.
There is generally little change in the population size.
Local Status
Common Frogs are widespread but declining. They are still fairly common
in most areas of the county.
Common Toads are widespread but declining.
Smooth Newts are more common than Great Crested Newts. They are recorded
35 sites across the county, and 451 have been counted altogether.
Objectives for Amphibia on the Greatham Site
- Maintain the current high level of numbers of amphibia
on site.
- Ensure amphibian habitat is managed in such a way to maximise
distribution and breeding success of amphibia on site.
Management Plan for Amphibia on the Greatham Site
- Continue monitoring of amphibia on site, to assess the populations
of Common Frog, Common Toad and Smooth Newt, and to determine any
increase in numbers due to management of their habitat.
- Ensure that any future development considers the amphibian habitat
on site.
- Creation of hibernacula for amphibia on site would
be highly beneficial. A basic rubble and earth hibernaculum would
provide valuable hibernation
areas for Common Frog, Common Toad and Smooth Newt.
- Active management
of ponds to ensure that the land surrounding ponds is beneficial
to amphibia. This would involve ensuring that there
are some areas of tall vegetation, at least a metre wide, around the ponds,
to aid survival of young amphibia. This would also provide cover
and foraging ground for Smooth Newts.
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