By community correspondent Jenny Bartlett

The Stones Road pond in the centre of Epsom is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is home to the great crested newts which are a protected species under British and European law.

Last year there were safety works to the trees, clearing of rubbish and removing of brambles in an attempt to improve the area. Though this work has taken place, it is still a “closed” site due to further potential safety problems and disturbance to the newts that live there. All this work has been done by The Lower Mole Project which has been carrying out several countryside management schemes within and around Epsom over the last 25 years.

A draft management plan is now issued to ensure the site is improved for now and in the future. The plans also include small-scale habitat works to keep the site in pristine condition for all species that occupy it in the upcoming future.

In the spring there is a possibility of a survey to assess the health of the newt population, however it has not yet been finalised.

There was recently an open morning for the residents of Epsom to have a look around the site and ask any questions.

The work going on at Stones Road Pond aims to improve and maintain the newt population and make it a safe and interesting site for the public in the future.