An important colony of rare great crested newts has been saved by the speedy response of a team of water workers.
The creatures, an endangered species, were in danger of being washed away in the torrent gushing from a dramatic pipe burst near their pond near Newport, but operators from Southern Water and its contractor Clancy Docwra were at the scene so fast they were able to halt the flow of water before it could reach the pond and contaminate it.
The team also prevented the water from damaging the nearby farmhouse, Kitbridge Farm, which is a listed building.
Kitbridge, near Newport, is an important conservation trust for environmental and built heritage. As well as the newts, it is home to nearly 50 other protected species including owls, kites, adders and lizards.
Mark Earp, who lives in the house and is project manager of the trustees, said:
“I woke up to a great noise, looked out and saw the yard under a foot of water. I looked down the lane and saw the water pipe had burst and I started to panic.
“The flow of water was incredible and it was coming closer to the house and the main breeding pond where the newts are breeding right now. I started trying to block up drainholes to the pond with sand and gravel and rang Southern Water.
“Along with the team from Clancy Docwra they leapt into action and did a superb job. Afterwards they reinstated the gravel lane, which had practically washed away, without even being asked. They really got on with it.”
Article continues below this advertisement
It was lucky Mr Earp was there – he is licensed to handle newts and was able to rescue a couple that had got flushed out of drainage tubes. He said:
“They were heavily pregnant females and I was able to put them back in the pond. We have our fingers crossed that all is well.”
Mr Earp was so grateful to the water workers that he emailed Southern Water and Clancy saying:
“We cannot thank you enough. Please pass on our gratitude to the highest levels – your men dealt with the situation so speedily and professionally.”
Dave West, Southern Water Field Performance Manager, said:
“We were very pleased to help a customer in need, not to mention the newts. Our guys certainly sprang into action – but they are used to working fast in an emergency.”
