The 30m-wide great crested newt was constructed by children, using 2,000 bricks, at Hampton Nature Reserve, and is so large that it will be able to be seen by satellites orbiting the Earth in space for many years to come.
It will also be clearly seen on future maps on the Google Maps website or in Google Earth software.
The nature reserve is home to more than 30,000 of the newts, and is thought to be the largest colony of the protected species in Europe, after they were moved there when the former brick pit was transformed into the reserve.
Big Newt Day at Hampton Vale nature reserve. (8GM1025089) Picture: GEORGI MABEE
The Big Newt, as the project is called, was the idea of Sam Taylor, who works for amphibian charity Froglife, which helps run the site, owned by Hampton developer O & H Hampton.
Sam said: "We wanted something that reflected the heritage of the site, with the former brick pits, and also the current use, with the newts.
"I think that it looks fantastic, but it has been a lot of hard work.
"The idea is that it will be seen on future maps on Google Earth, as a bit of a landmark for Hampton, and Peterborough in general.
"It has also been great to see so many people from Hampton come along to help, showing real community spirit."
Hampton scouts help lay bricks on the big newt outline. From left, Harry Cooper (8), Matt Cross (7), Emily Wildash (12) and Abigail Cross (9). (8GM1025091) Pictures: GEORGI MABEE
More than 50 volunteers braved the autumn wind to help create the piece of art, including Duane Hamlett from Farcet, near Peterborough.
Mr Hamlett had helped design the newt, and spent the day at the site doing the back-breaking work of laying the bricks.
He said: "I am looking forward to seeing it finally completed, but it looks just like I imagined it would.
"It has been a fantastic day so far, with plenty of people getting involved."
Among the helpers on the day were several groups from the 17th Nene Scout Group, which is based in Hampton, with beavers, cubs and scouts all joining in.
Group leader Jo Smith said: "Today has been great.
"Everyone who has come along has been so enthusiastic.
"It is fantastic that we are able to do things in the community, and we are looking forward to doing more with Froglife in the future."
The brand new bricks used on the giant newt were donated by local firm Mears, and Cross Keys Homes – the city's biggest landlord.
Elsewhere online:
Hampton Nature Reserve - froglife.org.
The full article contains 429 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
