1. Conservation of the Great Crested Newt in Marston Vale Volunteer Training 8 May 2013

2. Project Aims To contribute in filling the gaps in the GCN Habitat Network Maps to be used in strategic planning by Local Authorities, NE, NGOs and developers. To undertake a broad presence/ likely absence surveys and a detailed survey of minimum 40 ponds Identify areas for restoration/ creation of 20 ponds Provide advice to landowners and training to volunteers

3. Organisations Involved – Natural England – Central Bedfordshire Council – Bedford Borough Council – Marston Vale Trust – Wildlife Trust – Bedfordshire and Luton BRMC – Bedfordshire Reptile and Amphibian Group – BSG Ecology/ O&H Properties Ltd – Froglife Trust – Natura International – SITA Trust

4. Budget and timescale February 2013 – April 2015

5. Survey strategy Draw a list of ponds, systematise their status Select target areas and ponds for 2013 Establish land ownership and apply for access Presence/ likely absence surveys – Up to 4 surveys (bottles, torch and eggs search) – More detailed surveys of ponds in areas identified for restoration – HSI and larvae survey for all ponds Subcontractors with the assistance of volunteers after training (by Froglife and NI)

7. Habitat Work Areas that we know have had strong populations and desperately need some work Opportunity to connect ponds Source population ponds will be identified by the survey Funds to be used mainly for excavator work and some scrub clearance Work to be supervised by NI and MVT 10 year habitat maintenance agreements with land-owners based on short management plans

8. Target Areas for Surveys and Habitat Work

9. Dissemination and efficient use of data Data will be callated and presented in GIS by the BRMC. Data to be used by NE, planning authorities and developers in new development project Conservation organisations to plan further conservation actions Intriguing idea… how to use mitigation funds for better conservation of GCN populations