Newt-friendly scheme helps wildlife and development work together
Published: 18 June 2025
A new scheme on the Isle of Wight is helping to protect local wildlife while supporting carefully planned development.
The Isle of Wight Council has partnered with 11 other planning authorities across the south to take part in the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme, a nationally recognised conservation programme.
The initiative aims to safeguard species such as the great crested newt — a legally protected amphibian that has seen significant population declines in recent decades, with habitat loss being the biggest threat.
Although these newts rely on ponds to breed, they spend most of their lives on land, often in woodland, hedgerows, and rough grassland. They are typically found within 500 metres of a pond but can travel much further.
The scheme, which is authorised by Natural England, takes a long-term view, creating, managing and monitoring high-quality habitats in areas where they will have the most benefit — away from development pressures.
These habitats are funded by developers who opt into the scheme and are managed by the Newt Conservation Partnership, which includes experts from the Freshwater Habitats Trust and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Each site is monitored and maintained for at least 20 years, ensuring a sustainable future for newts and other wildlife.
Katie Ewers, district licensing officer, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Naturespace Partnership, said: "It’s great to have the Isle of Wight Council as part of the District Licensing scheme, joining over 65 other planning authorities nationwide who are both supporting nature recovery and enabling important development.
"Thanks to the commitment of councils across the country taking part in NatureSpace’s District Licensing Scheme, high-quality compensatory habitats are being delivered and vital new havens for great crested newts and other wildlife are being established."
Ollie Boulter, the council's strategic manager for planning and infrastructure delivery, said: “This scheme is a great example of how we can support nature recovery as part of developments.
"It allows us to take a more strategic approach to conservation, ensuring that wildlife habitats are protected and enhanced in the right places and for the long term.”