Newts get new ponds in Hafod conservation scheme Date: 08-02-2010 Cory Environmental, owners of the R1 Newt Relocation site, opposite Hafod Quarry Landfill at Johnstown, Wrexham, has teamed up with NEWWildlife (NEWW) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), to undertake major habitat improvement works at this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Ian Craven, Site Manager for Cory Environmental, said: “Cory is delighted to be working with NEWWildlife and the Countryside Council for Wales on the start of this long term nature conservation scheme on our Newt Relocation Site. This week, staff from Cory and NEWW, together with local volunteers and the Environment Agency’s Fish Protection Team, have created several new ponds to provide important breeding areas for Great Crested Newts.” Ian continued: “The work has included draining existing ponds to remove predatory fish species and the installation of fencing and hedgerows to divide different habitat types. The whole team have worked really hard to create these new habitat areas.” This project is the first to involve all three partners in preserving the unique habitat and building a long term nature conservation scheme for the area. (Picture shows a newt found during conservation work at Hafod) Kylie Jones Mattock, Reserves Manager for NEWW, added: “We welcome the start of this new partnership scheme with Cory and the Countryside Council for Wales. The Great Crested Newts are a protected species and it is essential that we create and enhance these areas to allow them to breed. This long term project will greatly improve the quality of the habitats in this area and improve the biodiversity on the site.” The fish collected from the ponds have been taken to the Environment Agency’s fish assessment centre and if they are considered healthy, they will be released at another specially selected site. Cory and NEWW team removing fish from pond

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