Conservation Status of the Great Crested Newt
The Great Crested Newt is declining largely due to loss of habitat, throughout Europe. Due to its status in Europe and the fact that Britain is considered a stronghold, the newt is strictly protected.
All UK native amphibians and reptiles are listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Great crested newts (together with natterjack toads, smooth snakes, sand lizards and two species of marine turtle) are given the highest level of protection. The great crested newt is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive, and Schedule 2 of the Habitats Regulations 1994, which you may see referred to as the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations.
This combination of legislation makes it illegal to:
The Countryside And Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 extends these offences by including RECKLESS damage and disturbance.
For more detailed information on legislation, contact your local Amphibian and Reptile Group, Wildlife Group or English Nature, or visit the HMSO website.
