Once a hub of industrial activity, Cutacre Nature Reserve is now bursting with signs of life - and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

Just months after seven ponds were restored on site thanks to Natural England’s District Level Licensing Scheme, one of the UK’s most iconic and threatened amphibians, the great crested newt, has not only returned, but is thriving.

Ponds are a vital but often overlooked part of the landscape, supporting a wide range of species including amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and plants. However, over the last century, the UK has lost a significant proportion of its ponds due to agricultural intensification, development, and neglect.

The creation of these ponds forms part of a broader restoration strategy focused on biodiversity enhancement and landscape-scale connectivity.

Alongside the ponds, newly restored hedgerows, and species-rich meadows have been established across the site. Together, these habitats support a wide range of wildlife such as grey partridge, lapwing, hedgehogs and harvest mice.

The presence of breeding great crested newts so soon after pond creation is a strong ecological indicator. It shows that the site is already providing the key conditions needed for species recovery, particularly for amphibians that rely on clean, well-connected aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

These restored features also contribute to the development of a habitat bank at Cutacre. This will allow the ecological value generated on-site to support offsetting under Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), helping to secure long-term funding for management while delivering measurable benefits for nature.

As our restoration work continues, Cutacre is on track to become a valuable site for wildlife and an example of how post-industrial land can be successfully repurposed for nature recovery.