The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is perhaps the least likely of the three newts in the UK to be found in the garden pond.  It prefers larger ponds than those found in most gardens.  It also does not fare well with fish.  Fish eat the newt larvae, so the great crested newt generally avoids fish - which are often found in garden ponds.  However, some garden ponds, especially larger ponds in rural areas, may be important habitat for great crested newts.

A good way to find out if you have newts in your pond (assuming that the pond water is reasonably clear!) is to make a visit after dark and carry out an inspection by torchlight. The best time to do this is during the newts' breeding season, roughly, from April to May.  Wait until a warm evening and carry out the torchlight search just after dusk.  You might be surprised at what you find.

However, note that the great crested newt is a strictly protected species - and this includes protection from disturbance.  So, if you find great crested newts in your garden, please do not handle them, or disturb them (for example by carrying out further torchlight surveys).

All three newt species lay eggs one at a time.  These are attached to vegetation, often with a leaf wrapped around the egg for protection.  Great crested newts tend to select larger leaves - so they they are quite conspicuous when folded.  As for other life stages, the eggs of great crested newts are legally protected (including from disturbance).

Great crested newt eggs are a little larger than those of smooth and palmate newts.  And, before the eggs begin to develop into newt larvae, great crested newt eggs are recognisable by their almost white coloration (in comparison to the grey or beige eggs of the other two newt species).