There are 3 species of newt found in the UK; Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus) and Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus).

Newt activity is greatest during spring as adults return to ponds to breed. Typically newts are nocturnal however during the breeding season they can be spotted during the day too. In Britain by May most have mated and the females are laying several eggs each day and attaching them to aquatic plants.

Newts have a highly distinctive breeding behaviour. Underwater the male typically 'dances' around a female, secreting pheromone attractants that are wafted towards the female by waggling his tail. The male then drops a packet of sperm known as the spermatophore which the females swims over a picks up with her cloaca. A few days later the female will then begin to lay eggs - there can be several hundred laid by one female in one season. Water breathing larvae will hatch in a few weeks and these larvae will metamorphose in around 2 months into air breathing adults. However it can be several years before they are sexually mature.

Newts can be encouraged in your garden by providing a pond stocked with aquatic vegetation such as water forget-me-nots, watercress, water speedwell and flote-grass to provide suitable breeding and egg laying areas. Fish will eat larval newts and pond invertebrates that they feed on and so fish ponds are not suitable for newts. Adults also need damp land areas, a loose rockery or log pile near the pond can provide ideal sheltering conditions. Remember all British newts are protected to some extent by law (especially the Great Crested newt that has full protection) so they should not be taken from the wild and placed in your garden. However, providing the right conditions will give you a good chance of attracting newts to your garden.

It can be hard to watch newts as they go about their business. Shining a strong lamp (eg CB1, CB2 or SM126) into a pond at night, especially at this time of year, can provide enchanting glimpses of the nocturnal activities of newts. Children can get a great deal of fun and knowledge from getting a close-up look at wildlife such as newts. Newts, as with other amphibians, are delicate creatures but can be handled carefully. Pond dipping nets with a 2-3mm mesh are recommended for catching amphibians. Always ensure you have wet hands when holding a newt and never handle them for more than a minute or two before putting them back. The FSC chart of reptiles and amphibians is a great little guide to get you started on identifying newts of the UK and other British herpetofauna.