Great crested newts are returning to a corner of north-east Wales, thanks to a partnership between ARC and the housing developer Redrow.

Surveys across six ponds at the 0.8ha White Lion Nature Reserve at Penymynydd in Flintshire show a six-fold increase in our most protected newt between 2014 and 2019.

While the total so far is small – seven newts five years ago rising to 30 at the last count – North Wales Officer Mandy Cartwright says the signs are positive.

“The newer ponds are maturing nicely and the newt population is increasing steadily,” said Mandy.

“We are delighted to join our partners Redrow in celebrating the success of this development for wildlife, the environment and local people.”

Redrow’s 85-home Heritage Park development just over the Welsh border enabled the partnership, providing ARC as a charity with sustainable income to preserve native wildlife species and their habitats.

Guided walks, species surveys and pond-dipping sessions delivered by ARC are a popular feature of life for the local community.

The White Lion Reserve is home to five native amphibian species along with mammals, birds and invertebrates such as the rare mud snail.