The Great Crested Newt Monitoring Project is run in conjuction with BTCV Pond Wardens.  This project is open to both Kent Pond Wardens and KRAG members who survey Kent's ponds for not only the declining and strictly protected great crested newt but all amphibian species. KRAG supplies training and support for the volunteers and, where possible, will provide equipment for volunteers to borrow.

Despite the fact that the great crested newt receives legal protection, unless the geographical range and the density of populations around the county are known there is little that can be done to safeguard the habitat of these animals. The project aims to improve our understanding of great crested newts by surveying ponds. Collecting data concerning population sizes at ponds can help to improve our understanding of how newts from different ponds interact as a larger community. These larger communities are known as metapopulations and, when identified, source ponds (those where newts breed successfully and disperse) and sink ponds (those where newts exist but do not breed in large numbers) can be highlighted and relative emphasis can be given to their value for great crested newts. The increased understanding of great crested newt surveying techniques, legislation and habitat management that is gained by Kent Pond Wardens will help them manage ponds more sympathetically for amphibians.

A report that summarises our findings has now been published and is available to download:

If you would like to become actively involved in this project please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .