These Pre-Cut Newt Trap Bottles are designed to save time and provide a consistent, professional solution for bottle trapping during Great Crested Newt surveys. Manufactured from clear 2L virgin PET, each bottle is supplied with the top cut and inverted to form a ready-to-use funnel trap.
The bottles are made from PET designed for carbonated drinks, helping them retain their shape in use. The large domed neck provides a wide entrance, while the clear plastic allows easy inspection of contents in the field.
Key Features
- Pre-cut and inverted, ready for immediate use
- 2 litre clear virgin PET bottles
- Large domed neck for ease of entry
- No labels or residue to remove
- Uniform, professional appearance across survey sites
- Available in large quantities at short notice
Additional Information
As a standard practice we do not put holes in these bottles as the preference of location and size of these varies from site to site and user to user, however we do offer a hole-cutting service.
A hot knife or soldering iron is commonly used to cut the cross-shaped slits in the bottles for the bamboo canes, as it seals and reinforces the ends of the cuts, whereas slits made with a standard knife may extend during use, potentially rendering the bottle trap unusable. However, the environmental and safety implications of using a hot knife or soldering iron have not been assessed by Wildcare. If you wish to pursue this method, suitable ventilation, fume extraction, PPE, and risk assessments should be established before use to manage the potential hazards associated with heat and fumes.
Use in Surveys
Bottle trapping involves placing traps around the pond margin, typically at a density of one trap per 2 metres of shoreline, and leaving them overnight. The open end should face open water and, where possible, rest on the pond bottom.
This method is commonly used during the breeding season to survey adult newts, and in summer for larvae. It is particularly useful in turbid or heavily vegetated ponds.
All bottle trapping must be carried out in line with current guidance and animal welfare requirements. This method should only be used by suitably trained and licensed individuals, and when night-time temperatures are above 5°C.
Newt Bottle (Funnel) Trapping
This method involves setting bottle traps (normally made from 2-litre plastic bottles) around the pond margin, and leaving the traps set overnight. A density of one trap per 2m of shoreline is recommended for general survey purposes. The open end of the trap should face into open water and touch the bottom of the pond if possible.
Some studies indicate that bottle trapping is the most reliable method for detecting the presence of Great Crested Newts, and it is especially useful for surveying turbid or weedy ponds. The main disadvantages are susceptibility to damage by vandals and possible harm to Newts; certainly there is a need for careful training to minimise such risks.
Bottle trapping can be used to catch adults during the breeding season and larvae during summer. It should only be used when the night-time air temperature is >5°C, but note that very high temperatures can increase the likelihood of harm to trapped newts, especially larvae. This method must be carried out strictly in accordance with guidelines on animal welfare.
Users should be familiar with the relevant guidance and have the appropriate licence.
Delivery & Returns
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on order weight, product type and delivery postcode. Prices exclude VAT.
Delivery times
| UK mainland | 1 to 3 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
| Scotland, Northern Ireland & UK offshore areas | 2 to 5 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
| Europe | 3 to 5 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
| Rest of world | 7 to 14 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
Delivery costs
UK mainland: delivery starts from £7.92.
Highlands and Islands: delivery starts from £25.
Northern Ireland: delivery starts from £20, rising to £90 for orders up to 60kg.
Larger orders, pallet deliveries and some offshore or international deliveries may require a quote.
For European orders, please visit wildcare.eu, call +33 (0)4 65 65 00 05 or email [email protected].
Need it by a certain date?
Please tell us when ordering. For urgent orders, call 01451 833181.
Returns
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 5 working days.
A Returns Number may be required before sending goods back. Call 01451 833181 or email [email protected].
Please see our full returns policy for more information.
