George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Lewis Capaldi

Survive

Listen Live

New ponds set to boost Great Crested Newt habitats in Nidderdale

Wednesday, 3 January 2024 04:00

Plans have been submitted to create two ponds for Great Crested Newts at Dacre in Nidderdale.

New ponds set to boost Great Crested Newt habitats in Nidderdale Plans have been submitted to create two ponds for Great Crested Newts at Dacre in Nidderdale. Public body Natural England has commissioned Sheffield-based community interest company Wildscapes to build the ponds so it can give a new home to the amphibians and help increase their local population. The application follows seperate plans by Wildscape for two more ponds near Menwith Hill Road last month. The great crested newt is protected under law and is recognised in the UK as an “at risk” species, in part due to the loss of habitat through the impact through development such as housebuilding. It’s believed that 50% of the UK’s ponds were lost during the 20th century, whilst the majority of the remaining ponds are classed as being in a poor state. According to planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the site off Dacre Pasture Lane was chosen because it’s close to existing populations of the animals. Studies of the area have found evidence of previous ponds, including those which have been lost to agricultural development. Wildscapes has created around 200 ponds in the last three years across Yorkshire. The company said in documents:

“Creation of ponds on this site will return these features to the landscape and enhance the local wildlife and biodiversity. "As a local feature this is well within keeping with the existing landscape as well as offering a significant opportunity for enhancement.”

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

Two-tier leisure membership scheme set to be introduced in North Yorkshire

A two-tier membership scheme is set to be introduced for leisure centres across North Yorkshire.
Harrogate College students celebrate artwork at new mental health building

Harrogate College students have seen their artwork installed at a new mental health building in the town following a collaboration with local child and adolescent mental health services.
Meadowside school to run Knaresborough Bed Race to raise vital funds

Meadowside School is set to take part in the annual Knaresborough Bed Race again this year as it looks to raise vital funds to improve facilities for pupils.
Harrogate's Harry Gray scores first senior goal to spark Rotherham fightback

Harrogate teenager Harry Gray scored his first senior goal last night (Tuesday) to inspire Rotherham United's to their first league victory since November.
Government's business rates package 'does not go far enough’, says Harrogate MP

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has warned that the Government's business rates package announced yesterday (Tuesday) "falls far short of what high street businesses need."
Ripon teenager paralysed in freak accident continues flying ambitions

A Ripon Grammar School sixth former says his life has taken a more positive direction than he imagined after being paralysed from the waist down in an accident.
Harrogate's Revolucion de Cuba facing closure

One of Harrogate's best-known bars is facing uncertainty after its owner announced plans to enter administration.
Volunteer charity celebrates 60 years of supporting Harrogate Hospital

A volunteer-run charity that supports Harrogate Hospital is marking its 60th anniversary this year.
Harrogate care professional wins award for outstanding care

A care professional from Carefound Home Care Harrogate has been recognised for her outstanding commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor to perform at Ripon hotel

Grantley Hall has announced that Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be the headline live act for its Supercar Sunday 2026.
Council considers charging for all public toilets across North Yorkshire

Councillors are being asked to consider introducing charges at all council-run public toilets across North Yorkshire as part of a new countywide strategy.
New flexible leisure memberships to be considered by councillors

Residents are due to get fairer access to North Yorkshire's leisure and wellbeing hubs if senior councillors back proposals for a new membership scheme.
Harrogate letter-writing workshops to mark World Cancer Day

Residents are being invited to take part in a series of letter-writing events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr to mark World Cancer Day 2026.
Harrogate businesswoman shortlisted for lifetime achievement award

A leading Harrogate figure has been shortlisted for a major lifetime achievement award, recognising decades of contribution to Yorkshire's business community.
Harrogate signage experts celebrate milestone year

A Harrogate signage business is celebrating a landmark year that marks three major milestones in its history.
Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town host launch event for Local Hero Awards 2026

Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town Football Club and Community Foundation teamed up for a launch event last week ahead of the Local Hero Awards 2026.
Harrogate Town to launch new Under 18s football academy

Harrogate Town have announced an exciting new partnership with Askham Bryan College, creating fresh opportunities for young footballers to combine academic study with professional football development.
Director appointed to lead businesses at Great Yorkshire Showground

Businesses at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate are set for continued growth, following the internal appointment of a new Commercial Director.
CCTV appeal: Stock worth £300 stolen from Screwfix in Ripon

Police have issued CCTV images of two men they'd like to speak to following a theft in Ripon.
Harrogate salon launches new hair system for balding men

A Harrogate hair salon is offering fresh hope to men with thinning hair with the launch of an exciting new service – the first of its kind in the town.