Cotswold Surveyors have recently been involved in providing expert advice on the diminution in value of a residential property that was found to have newts in the garden, following purchase…
There are three main species of newts in the UK, all of which may be found in and around garden ponds, the common newt, the palmate newt and the great crested newt. However, only the great crested newts are considered rare and therefore heavily protected by law, making it illegal to harm them, disturb their habitat, capture or even handle them without a licence. They are easy to identify as they are much larger and chunkier looking than the common or palmate newts and are dark brown or black in colour with a distinct ‘warty skin’. The presence of newts of this type can restrict the quiet enjoyment of a garden and the value of a property may be adversely affected. However, all three species can be effective in keeping down populations of pests such as slugs and snails.