Wessex Water ecologists have been using a pioneering new technique which is helping to protect the great crested newt.

Advances in DNA sequencing technology is helping us establish from samples of pond water if the amphibian species is present on our sites, helping to protect them and the surrounding habitat when development work is planned.

Ecologist Jamie Bowkett said:

"When planning any new developments such as laying new pipes or constructing new assets such as pumping stations or treatment plants, it's important we consider the impacts to the natural environment.

"We often carry out surveys for species such as bats, dormice, otters and recently we've been using a new sampling technique to survey for the presence of great crested newts, a European protected species.

"This new method lets us check if newts are present on sites a lot more quickly, which helps us plan our works, particularly with the routing of long distance water mains or sewers where we can plan around the habitats." The technique, known as eDNA analysis, involves taking small water samples and sending it a specialist laboratory where it is tested for traces of newt DNA.

Jamie Bowkett added:

"Traditionally, newt surveying would mean visiting all ponds within 250m of a new development at least four times, searching for newts during the night with torchlights and using 'bottle traps' for live capture."Using eDNA analysis is much less intrusive and means only one visit to each pond is required, saving time and resources."

eDNA surveys have now been used on several  Wessex Water schemes over the past year including the Frome Valley Relief sewer, a new 5km sewer to be constructed in South Gloucestershire between Frampton Cotterell and Bradley Stoke.