A NEW pond will be created at a site of special scientific interest as part of plans to help wildlife thrive at the site. 

A bid to create a pond in the Tiptree Heath Nature Reserve has been approved by Colchester Council.

The Essex Wildlife Trust and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group are now in the position to develop the water space with the aim of enabling great crested newts to thrive on the site.

The pond will be created to look like a natural pond, with an irregular outline in the existing clay soil.

The project will be part of a regional project to restore habitat for great crested newts.

The amphibian species is a protected species in the UK.

The pond is also expected to deliver a habitat for bird species including nightingales, woodcock and buzzards.

The 59.3-acre site is open at all times, all year round for the public to enjoy.

Conditions to the plans, as laid out by Colchester Council include no demolition or construction outside of 8am to 6pm on weekdays or outside 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

No construction is permitted to take place on Sundays or bank holidays.