A POND home to three different species of newt has become the focus for Conservators in a battle against a particularly pernicious plant.

Crassula helmsii - introduced from New Zealand - is running riot in the Berrow Down pond on Castlemorton Common.

Conservators were prevented from tackling the problem sooner because of the newts' living habits but have now taken advantage of a very brief opportunity.

The pond - the larger of two at the site - has been covered with plastic to keep out the newts when they return from hibernation. Meanwhile, preparations are under way to spray the crassula.

"It's doing it at the right time in the life history of the newt," said Conservator Dudley Brook.

The newts enter the pond to lay eggs in spring and leave in late summer to hibernate under stones and logs. Wet conditions prevented the work on the pond being carried out in the autumn.

A notice explaining to the public what is being done at the pond is to be erected, following the Conservators' discussion of the matter.

It is extremely unusual for the three species of newt - great crested, palmate and smooth or common newt - to be found together.