The Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management recently held their autumn conference in Llandudno. As part of this national event, Huw Evans, trustee of Building Wildlife Trust was asked to highlight previous and future actions by the Trust to conserve the nationally declining Great crested newts. North east Wales is considered to be one of the remaining strongholds for the species.

The presentation followed new approaches to conserving the species by Matthew Ellis, Senior Species Advisor for Natural Resources Wales. This included the use of modelling techniques to inform conservation action, the merits of spatially based conservation plans, and long-term monitoring of the Great crested newt in Wales.

Since Building Wildlife Trust was established 10 years ago over £100,000 has been generated via development to fund targeted Great crested newt conservation actions in North east Wales. These actions have included the restoration/creation of twenty ponds, land purchase as an extension to Wepre Park; site interpretation panels and construction of infrastructure to support grassland habitat management.

Huw Evans stated that the conference provided a fantastic opportunity to highlight the achievements of Building Wildlife Trust at a national level. Presenting at this autumn’s conference has helped to promote awareness of this pioneering organisation. It is hoped in the future to be able to consider the inclusion of additional areas of Wales together with extending the remit of the Trust to include other species and habitats.

The Trust is always keen to receive applications for projects that will benefit Great crested newts in the areas of Buckley, Deeside, and Wrexham.