Further to the discovery of Great Crested Newts at the Dew pond, Robert applies to become a GCN license holder.
In December 2021, after a number of delays caused by Covid, Seaford Natural History Society had a funding application-to South Downs National Park Trust-approved to restore the long-neglected dewpond at South Hill Barn on Seaford Head, which had become totally overgrown, in particular by aggressive, non-native invasive weed species. The aim was to facilitate a much improved habitat, with greater biodiversity, as a resource and refuge for local wildlife.
The project brought together local volunteers, who started on the restoration work in May 2022. Before the end of that year, the project criteria had been fulfilled and the volunteers formed a dedicated Friends Group to continue restoration and maintenance, which it still does to this day.
In June of 2023 it was confirmed that a population of Great Crested Newts, wonderful salamander type amphibians, were present in the Dewpond. As a protected species, the guidelines published by Natural England were immediately observed. Legislation under the Wildlife Act prohibits the disturbance of or harm to the newts and conservation management can only be carried out under the guidance of a GCN license holder. This resulted in all work parties by the “Friends” being stopped between February and October. There is now no public access to the pond.
As GCN license holders are scarce (Natural England included) several members of the group said they would explore the possibility of obtaining a Level 1 GCN license.
In May of this year, I attended a two-day session run by the excellent Species Recovery Trust at Nower Wood Educational center, Surrey. Successful attendance on the course would result in a recommendation by SRT supporting my application for a Level 1 license. The group was comprised of sixteen people, most of whom worked for Environmental Consultants and were engaged in major projects such as Housing Developments, Wind Farms and HS2.
This course covered Identification, Legislation and Surveying technics. Day 1 consisted of a 3-hour online tutorial, the taking of eDNA samples on site and the setting of bottle traps during the evening. A torchlight survey during darkness was followed early on Day 2 by the retrieval of the traps and examination of the specimens. It was a very enjoyable and educational trip.
On my return to Seaford, I undertook an online assessment and was pleased to pass.
An application for a Level 1 license must be supported by two recommendations, so I must find another sponsor, but suspect it will be next year as the breeding season for the GCN ends in June.
Others in the group are taking different routes in their quest to obtain a license, so hopefully at least one member will be successful, and we can carry on with the work in maintaining the South Hill Dewpond, a vital source of fresh water alongside Seaford Head Nature Reserve.
I would like to thank Seaford Action for Nature (previous On the Verge) for facilitating the very generous funding of the GCN course from the Ouse Valley Climate Action fund.
The donation will be used for the continued maintenance and restoration of the beautiful dewpond.
Robert (Friends of the Dewpond)
