Help needed regarding newts

[MR TEA POT 1,287]

I've had newts in a small pond in my garden for as long as I can remember,they hibernate behind my shed in the pile of hedge cuttings that built up over years.

The problem is I now need to knock the shed down and clear all the cuttings out.

If I disturb the newts will they be ok if I move them out the way to a safer place or will they die if disturbed in hibernation? They are palmate newts not great crested.

All advice appreciated

[comanche 2,799]

1 hour ago, MR TEA POT said:

I've had newts in a small pond in my garden for as long as I can remember,they hibernate behind my shed in the pile of hedge cuttings that built up over years.

The problem is I now need to knock the shed down and clear all the cuttings out.

If I disturb the newts will they be ok if I move them out the way to a safer place or will they die if disturbed in hibernation? They are palmate newts not great crested.

All advice appreciated

I don't know but we have great cresteds where I keep my sheep and do a bit of rabbiting. They turn-up under logs that can't possibly be frost-proof and last year one was found midwinter under the spilt dung from the muck trailer in the stable yard even though it had only been laying for a couple of days. I reckon as its not hibernation time quite yet they are more than capable of either moving or being moved to cover. Probably more in danger from being exposed to predators  if they don't get covered-up quickly than suffering from cold. Make a nice big log or paving slab pile for them.