Work has started to restore Sata Pond at the far end of the arboretum. Over the years the pond has grown over so it has become a mat of bullrushes and other wetland plants.
The willow on the side of the pond had expanded and taken over a significant area and the staff and volunteers have been out clearing that back.
To help clear the actual pond the Arboretum is working with Wild Sheffield who have funding available to restore ponds to create areas that are suitable for great crested newts to breed. They will also be working on the Dew pond whilst they are here.
With its prominent, wavy crest, the great crested newt, Triturus cristatus, also known as the 'warty newt', looks like a mini dinosaur. This protected species favours clean ponds during the breeding season. They spend most of the rest of the year feeding on invertebrates in woodland, hedgerows, marshes and tussocky grassland. They hibernate underground, among tree roots and in old walls. The UK's populations of the great crested newt are internationally important.
Hopefully the restored pond will see the return and increase in the number of great crested newts in the area.
