Our Newt trap bottles are new 2-litre PET carbonated drinks bottles, which means they are slightly tougher than a non-carbonated drinks bottle and therefore should last a bit longer. They hold their shape well and have a large domed neck ideal for receiving a bamboo cane. The bottles are ready just to be cut and turned into bottle traps for surveying Great Crested Newts (Triturus cristatus).
- Capacity: 2 litres
- Brand new, virgin PET
- No drink residue to wash out
- No labels to remove
- Clear plastic for easy visibility
- Large domed neck
- Professional, uniform appearance on site
- Large quantities available at short notice
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.
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.
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.
The Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook can be be downloaded from Froglife's web site here.
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.
