newt

Triturus spp
 
As amphibians, newts mostly live on land but return to the water to breed
 
There are 3 species of newt in the UK:

• smooth newt
  about 10cm long
   
• palmate newt
  about 10cm long
   
• great crested newt
  about 16cm long

 
The males of the smooth and great crested have a jagged crest on their backs, during the breeding season, and orange spotted underside.
 
Look out for them coming to the surface for air.
 

Where found

Ponds and lakes, ditches and slow moving streams.
 

When to look for

• Typically they return to the water in about February-March but can be as early as December