Victory! Newt protection for Holnest after 6 year battle

12.00.00am GMT Mon 21st Dec 2009

Great Crested Newts in Dorset can hibernate in peace this Christmas, after the EU declared 54 hectares of grassland and ponds in Holnest to be a "Special Area of Conservation", offering protection to the endangered species.

The species is the biggest in size but least common of Britain's newt population, and numbers have been steadily decreasing since the 1940's. In 2003 scientists found over 200 Great Crested Newts living in one pond in Holnest during Euro-MP Graham Watson's campaign to prevent a landfill waste tip being sited there, which included a visit by David Bellamy.

Since then, Watson has worked closely with Natural England to make sure the site became part of the EU's Natura Network, protecting at-risk wildlife across Europe. Although Holnest will not become a nature reserve, the new legal obligations mean it's future management must be sustainable, both ecologically and economically.

Watson was delighted at the news;

"It has been a long, hard battle to secure protection for Holnest, but one which has been worth fighting.

"Back in 2003 we stopped the waste tip; now EU protection means that future generations will be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Holnest and the area's unique wildlife.

"It is vital we protect the natural environment in Dorset, and I am pleased to have played my part in this case.