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Jan 2022
Work will begin in January to build three ponds for Great Crested Newts at Long Lands Common in Harrogate.
The team behind the community-funded nature reserve and woodland between Bogs Lane and Bilton Lane hopes the ponds will become a flagship for biodiversity in the area.
The ponds will be built in places that already have seasonal flooding and semi-wetland communities.
Surveys have found the common toad, common frog, smooth newt and Great Crested Newts all within 2km of the site. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will carry out the works.
The animals will use the ponds to breed between March and June and will use the habitat that Long Lands Common will provide for the rest of the year.
In 2020, around 3,000 people bought shares in the land. The appeal raised £375,000 to purchase 30 acres of land near the Nidderdale Greenway and protect it from development.
An official open day was held on the land for people who pledged money in July.
A detailed plan for the site is set to be submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in February. Thousands of trees will eventually be planted there.
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