Which pond plants help newts lay eggs and breed in UK ponds?
Newts need a mixture of soft-leaved aquatic plants, shady surface cover and dense pondside vegetation to breed successfully. During the spring, females lay eggs individually, folding them into the leaves of plants like Water Forget-me-Not, Brooklime, Starwort and Water Mint. These soft-leaved oxygenators and marginals protect developing embryos from predators and strong sunlight, while helping keep the water oxygen-rich and stable.
Surface plants such as waterlilies offer shade and resting spots for adults, while deep-water and floating plants create protected areas for courtship and feeding. Equally important is the planting around the pond: dense pondside plants and damp borders give newts shelter as they move between water and land. Since newts spend much of the year on land - only returning to ponds to breed, nearby log piles, stone stacks and shaded, undisturbed vegetation are vital for feeding, hiding and hibernating from autumn to early spring.
A well-planted wildlife pond supports every stage of the newt life cycle: eggs, larvae, efts and adults. Avoid fish, as they readily eat eggs and larvae, and prioritise cover, shade and gentle water movement. To learn more about creating a fully newt-friendly pond, including habitat design and seasonal care, you can read our Blog - How to Make a Newt-Friendly Pond or practical tips.
