Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > The House > CHRIST CHURCH MEADOW NEWT UPDATE!

CHRIST CHURCH MEADOW NEWT UPDATE!

Following last year's survey (June 2024), licensed newt surveyor Dr Angela Julian recently returned to the Meadow to search for the – somewhat elusive – great crested newts (Triturus cristatus).
24 Jun 2025
The House
Speckled chin seen in male smooth newt. Photo: Jake Dudderidge.
Speckled chin seen in male smooth newt. Photo: Jake Dudderidge.

Though the great crested newt still eluded researchers, Dr Angela Julian and Jake Dudderidge (2021, Biology), the following amphibians were found in the Newt Survey of Christ Church Meadow on 20 May 2025:

• At least one female palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus)

• Three female smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris)

• Two male smooth newts. One male showed tail-tip filament typically seen in palmate newts; potential hybrid?

• 5+ common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles and an adult were found.

• A new newt species was identifed. 

Other fauna were also encountered during survey. A full report, with images, is available here!

 

SIMILAR STORIES

Christ Church has made substantial progress towards modernising its governance arrangements, following extensive consultation and detailed work. More...

The Upper Library's new exhibition: ‘To love truth for truth's sake’: John Locke and Christ Church, opens on 29 October.… More...

As Michaelmas term gets underway, we are delighted to welcome our new students and hear from one – Kaila Borgards (2025,… More...

Professor Cartwright reflects on two recent events for lawyers: an international symposium on the theme ‘Comparing Contr… More...

The Christ Church community is saddened to report the death of William Thomas, Tutor in History at the House from 1967 u… More...

Have your say