A NINE-year-old girl has discovered an endangered wildlife species in Bellsbank.

Grace Murphy was left stunned to uncover two Great Crested Newts, a protected species, while out a walk with her grandfather.

The schoolgirl made the exciting discovery of ‘two sleepy newts with bright orange bellies with black spots’ under a damp stone in the woods.

Her grandfather took photographs which were then sent to Scottish Natural Heritage’s newt expert.

He was able to confirm that they were ‘rare and splendid’ creatures.

Grace and her grandfather are now keeping the exact location a guarded secret.

The find is just one of a number of sightings of rare plants and creatures making a comeback, attracted by the tremendous works at Craigengillan Estate and neighbouring countryside to enhance and protect the diversity of its wetland, woodland and flower meadow wildlife habitats.

In addition to the Ospreys at Loch Doon, other creatures returning have included rare moths, eight species of bats, nesting red kites and harriers.