Protected newts discovered in overgrown ponds

Great crested newts have been discovered in overgrown ponds thought to have been uninhabitable.

Experts found a stable, healthy population of the protected species in three ponds in north Swindon, Wiltshire – despite the fact that the water dries up in hot weather.

The newts were found in a survey by conservationists from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, who were joined by Jake Chandler of St Andrews Parish Council.

Mr Chandler said: 'If we want to protect [the newts], it's vital to protect the habitats they live in, so we'll be looking at ways of doing more for that.'