A LOCAL not-for-profit energy company is looking for volunteers to help build amphibian habitats this Saturday September 23.

Burnham and Weston Energy are inviting Somerset residents into their solar farm this weekend to build structures which will provide refuge for great crested newts this winter.

The newts at the energy farm will crawl into the new structures in October to hibernate after their mating season is over.

First on the agenda for the day is a short introduction to the solar farm at 9:30am, before attendants will march down to the ponds to get to work.

Some of the building work required includes:

  • Deconstructing existing reptile habitats which are no longer fit for purpose.
  • Creating a 2m x 1m pile of rocks and logs.
  • Cutting 2m of turf which will be used as a roof on the new habitat.
  • Sewing wildflowers in the area of bare ground that has been cut for turf.

Lunch will be included and served at 12pm.

There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion about Burnham and Weston Energy, and how their solar farm benefits the local community.

Any finishing touches to the new habitats will then be made, before the day finishes at 3pm.

Those wanting to attend are encouraged to bring along any spare rocks, logs or bricks to the day at Wick Farm in Weston-Super-Mare.

Free tickets to the habitat building event can be booked on the Burnham and Weston Energy website.