MR Ingram of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation appears to imply that the great crested newts found on the Derwenthorpe site may have been "planted" there and their presence is not significant (Letters, June 16).

Mr Ingram assures us the independent ecologist, Martin Hammond, who was instructed to examine the site, carried out exhaustive searches.

Mr Hammond failed to find not only the great crested newts, but also the endangered water voles living by the beck.

What qualifications does Mr Hammond have, other than being a keen amateur naturalist?

The ecologist I asked to confirm the presence of great crested newts on the site was licensed to handle these amphibians and is qualified and experienced.

We found two female great crested newts but, because of the large amount of other amphibious life present, it was clear that the site was viable for these creatures to breed in large numbers.

I have no doubt that if detailed surveys are carried out using pitfall traps in the breeding season of March, April and May many more great crested newts will be found. But what about the other wildlife on the site, the ancient hedgerows, the wildflowers, the many endangered birds, bats, water voles and other creatures?

Is Mr Ingram suggesting that we have somehow captured thousands of animals and planted the site up with acres of native wildflowers and mature hedgerows?

Adrian Wilson,

Grasmere Drive, York.

Updated: 09:47 Friday, June 18, 2004