My very first newt encounter was a sad one to witness, as I watched a Moorhen whacking a Palmate newt to death in one of the dipping ponds at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park (My first Palmate newt, 29 February). Fortunately, for me and the newts, I saw several alive and thriving in the dragonfly pond at Forest Farm Nature Reserve three months later (Newts alive, 30 May). I must remember to look for them again in 2025 as they were spellbinding to watch as they floated serenely in the clear water.