This dataset identifies areas where the addition of new ponds would benefit Great Crested Newt populations.
The core areas contain a pond density of 2+ ponds and are located within a 1km square where great crested newt presence has been predicted.
Fringe areas contain a pond density of 1 and are located within a 1km square where great crested newt presence has been predicted or are within a 250m of a Core Area.
Higher scores are associated with darker colouration and represent a greater presence of suitable habitat features: Distance from a River 200 -2000m; Soil pH 6.5 – 7.5; Soil Phosphorus 35 -45 mg kg-1; Arable Density < 33%; Distance from Grassland <100m; Grassland Density 10 -40%; Distance from Woodland < 100m.
These suitable habitat features have been given a score of ‘1’.
Urban areas > 2ha (+400m buffer), roads (7.5m), rivers (7.5m) and Environment Agency Flood Zone 2 have been excluded.
Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.