Rescue Mission: Saving a Great Crested Newt at Warminster Garrison

The HSE Advisor for Larkhill and Warminster received an intriguing report on Thursday 11 May 2023. It detailed a discovery of a newt inside an ammunition bunker in Waterloo Lines, Warminster. 

Aware that some newt species are protected, the military personnel in the area wisely refrained from taking any action until confirmation was received. The HSE Advisor, accompanied by a member of the Garrison Management Team, swiftly arrived at the scene to assess the situation, and identify the species of the trapped newt. 

Inside the dark and dusty ammunition bunker, they managed to capture and share a photograph of the trapped newt with the Consultant Ecologist, who verified that it was a female Great Crested Newt and was possibly pregnant. These newts can grow up to 17cm long, live for six to fifteen years, and are considered an European Protected Species. The law protects not only the newts themselves but also their eggs, breeding sites, and resting places.

Great Crested Newts are native amphibians known to breed in ponds during springtime, while spending most of the year foraging for invertebrates in various habitats such as woodlands, hedgerows, marshes, and tussocky grasslands. During hibernation, they seek shelter underground, among tree roots, and within old walls. The decline of Great Crested Newt populations in the UK over the past century has raised concerns, primarily due to the loss and deterioration of their natural breeding ponds. 

Understanding the significance of the species and the potential risks it faced inside the bunker, the Consultant Ecologist, who has a license to handle Great Crested Newts, arrived on site within an hour. The goal was to relocate the newt to a secure location. However, as with many wildlife rescues, not everything went according to plan. The newt had managed to crawl into a crack in the brickwork, making it impossible to capture and remove. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation and the risk to the newt’s survival, the Consultant Ecologist provided the military personnel responsible for the area with comprehensive guidance on how to safely remove and release the newt when it reappeared. 

The following morning, on Friday 12 May, the newt resurfaced. With utmost care, it was gently scooped up in a dustpan, covered, and transported to a safe and suitable location—a nearby wild area with standing water. Placed at the edge of the water, the newt exhibited signs of happiness and freedom, immediately becoming active and moving away.

This remarkable encounter marked the first documented sighting of a Great Crested Newt at Warminster Garrison, representing an exciting discovery of a protected species. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. 

We all have a role to play in preserving our natural world. If you come across any animals in distress or situations that require attention, don’t hesitate to contact the Helpdesk for prompt assistance from the HSE Team.