Is this Britain’s most unusual job? National Trust ranger Nick Dunnett spends his days combing the cellars of Lincolnshire’s Tattershall Castle looking for a protected species likened to a “mini dinosaur”.
His target in the 15th Century attraction near Sleaford is the great crested newt.
A very large breeding population can be found in the moat and surrounding land.
“The water in the moats provides opportunities for courtship displays, breading, egg laying and the development of young newts,” says Nick.
During the winter, some manage to sneak their way into the castle by exploiting old tunnels and cracks in the mortar between bricks.
Nick says: “Some are known to seek shelter in cold, dark, damp places over winter. The castle’s basement provides excellent opportunity for this.”