eDNA

Great crested newts (GCN), release small amounts of their DNA into the ponds in which they live.  This is referred to as environmental DNA (or eDNA).

Between mid-April and the end of June, samples can be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis, and a positive or negative result will be returned.

If great crested newt presence is confirmed by eDNA, then 6 traditional survey visits will be needed to estimate population size.