ECOLOGISTS from Wessex Water have been using a pioneering new technique to help protect great crested newts and identify their habitats quicker before developments get underway.

The water company is using advances in DNA sequencing technology to establish if the amphibian species is present on their sites by analysing samples of pond water, helping to protect them and the surrounding habitat when development work is planned.

Jamie Bowkett, ecologist from Wessex Water, said: “When planning any new developments such as laying new pipes or constructing new assets such as pumping stations or treatment plants, it is important we consider the impacts to the natural environment.

“We often carry out surveys for species such as bats, dormice, otters and recently we have been using a new sampling technique to survey for the presence of great crested newts, a European protected species.

“This new method lets us check if newts are present on sites a lot more quickly, which helps us plan our works, particularly with the routing of long distance water mains or sewers where we can plan around the habitats.”

The technique, known as eDNA analysis, involves taking small water samples and sending it a specialist laboratory where it is tested for traces of newt DNA.

The discovery of great crested newts in Royal Wootton Bassett was one of the reasons behind the delay in work on the Great Western Railway, which was due to begin this winter.

Work was also hampered earlier this year after a colony of great crested newts were discovered at Woolmore Farm, Melksham, the site of the town’s new rugby and football facilities.

Mr Bowkett added: “Traditionally, newt surveying would mean visiting all ponds within 250m of a new development at least four times, searching for newts during the night with torchlights and using ‘bottle traps’ for live capture.

“Using eDNA analysis is much less intrusive and means only one visit to each pond is required, saving time and resources.”