Central Bedfordshire Council has appointed the UK’s first ever newt officer to protect the species.
Indea Chawk will be working to raise awareness of a new scheme to conserve great crested newts – found in a third of the county’s ponds.
“I saw the job advertised, I knew it was perfect for me,” she said.
“It enables me to work closely with nature, making a real difference to conservation.
“I am learning so much more about our native species and wildlife.”
As part of her role, Indea will raise awareness for the protected newts, which will be taken into account with any planning application within 500m of a pond.
Councillor Nigel Young, who is responsible for regeneration at the council, said: “The council takes its responsibilities to conservation very seriously.
“Surveys show that there is a healthy population here in Central Bedfordshire, so it’s great that we have the first ever newt officer.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here