By Press Release
A new wildlife scheme on the Island is aiming to protect the declining great crested newt while supporting sustainable development.
The IW council has joined 11 other southern planning authorities in the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme, a nationally recognised conservation programme backed by Natural England.
The scheme safeguards the great crested newt, a protected species which has seen serious population declines in recent decades, mainly due to habitat loss. Although they breed in ponds, the amphibians spend most of their lives in surrounding habitats such as woodland, hedgerows and grassland.
Under the new scheme, developers can opt in by paying towards the creation of high quality habitats in areas away from development pressures. These habitats are managed by the Newt Conservation Partnership and maintained for at least 20 years.
Katie Ewers, district licensing officer for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “It’s great to have IW council on board, thanks to this scheme, new havens for great crested newts and other wildlife are being created across the country.”
Ollie Boulter, the council’s strategic manager for planning and infrastructure delivery, added: “This scheme allows us to take a more strategic approach, supporting nature recovery while enabling carefully planned development.”
The Island joins more than 65 authorities across the country already taking part in the initiative.
More information is available via the NatureSpace and IW council websites.
