Pond project ensures preservation of crested newt

A thorough inventory by RAVON earlier this year revealed that there are few crested newts left in De Maasheggen.
A 'puddle project' has now been set up in the UNESCO area, connecting the last places where the crested newt occurs. In addition, more pools are being made suitable for the salamander, which stands out in the landscape because of its brightly colored belly and "crested" back.

In October 2020, Vereniging Nederlands Cultuurlandschap 'restored' five pools in De Maasheggen. 'Restored' means that the pools have been made suitable for the crested newt. This can be done by ensuring that the puddle has the right depth, or by preventing the puddle from becoming completely overgrown with cattails and reeds. In addition, one puddle has also been made 'fish-free' so that the salamanders can reproduce better there. A total of 28 pools will be restored and 35 new pools created over the next few years. The project will run until 2022.

Vereniging Nederlands Cultuurlandschap is going to approach directly affected landowners next year asking if they want to participate in the project. This will create a network of pools suitable for this important species over the next few years.

The pond project is a joint project of Vereniging Nederlands Cultuurlandschap, RAVON, FLORON, EIS Knowledge Center for Insects, the Butterfly Foundation, Staatsbosbeheer and The Brabants Landschap.