Smooth newts are the most common of the newt species in the UK, and can be seen, most active at night, from March to October. In spring, you may see the male’s courtship dance near ponds.

They are often found in garden ponds and have been spotted at the different allotments in the Kingston borough.

They breed in ponds in the spring, with each egg being laid individually and wrapped with a leaf to protect it. The adults usually spend the rest of the year out of the water in woodlands.

The loss of breeding ponds in the UK, has negatively affected newts and other amphibians. Garden ponds are one of the best ways to attract new wildlife to your garden, provided they are sun-exposed, with plants, possible hiding structures, and no fish. 

Smooth newts can regenerate their limbs, eyes, jaws, and organs throughout their lifespan. They can be used as a model species for studying mechanisms of regeneration, so they may be useful in developing regenerative medicines/tissue repair in humans! 

This species of newt has a yellow/orange underside with small black spots, has spots on its throat, and grows up to 10cm long. During breeding season the males develop a crest along their back. 

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