Publication date: 28th August 2025 ARC's Saving Scotland's Amphibians and Reptiles Education Officer, Janet Ullman tells us about her monthly radio segment sharing stories and advice about Scotland's fascinating wildlife. I’ve had an on/off relationship with local radio over my years working for various community trusts and organisations. It’s a medium I enjoy, where I can communicate my love for natural history and the environment with enthusiasm. I had worked with Radio Skye on a couple...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC's Hop Spots Project Manager, Owain Masters, shares how the team have been making plans and building connections ready to inspire the next generation of conservationists.| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
New Forest Species Survival Fund Reptile Survey Training Event This is a free, in-person classroom training event hosted by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation – prioritised for landowners, land managers, and/or ground staff part of the New Forest Species Survival Fund who would like to survey for reptiles or attend for personal development or general interest reasons. Registration closes on September 12th at 5 pm - places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pleas...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Please note: this event is invite only. You’re invited to a workshop for potential partners and participants in the Hop Spots project – a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported initiative taking part in Dorset, BCP and the New Forest. The workshop will be hosted by project staff from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and will include a short presentation followed by collaborative activities. We’ll be asking attendees – including local eNGOs, land managers, educators, and youn...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Please note: this event is invite only. You’re invited to a workshop for potential partners and participants in the Hop Spots project – a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported initiative taking part in East Anglia. The workshop will be hosted by project staff from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and will include a short presentation followed by collaborative activities. We’ll be asking attendees – including local eNGOs, land managers, educators, and young people – to tak...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Please note: this event is invite only. You’re invited to a workshop for potential partners and participants in the Hop Spots project – a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported initiative in the Merseyside region. The workshop will be hosted by project staff from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and will include a short presentation followed by collaborative activities. We’ll be asking attendees – including local eNGOs, land managers, educators, and young people – to take ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Juvenile sand lizards bred in captivity have been released on Winfrith Heath to attempt to restore the population of this rare species to a self-sustaining level in a collaboration between ARC, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England.| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Where to find the great crested newt, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Unleash your creativity: Design for nature with Heathland Threads! During #HeathWeek, 28th July to 3rd August, ARC are bringing our nature inspired art competition back for 2025. Are you bursting with design ideas? Do you love the vibrant beauty of our local heathlands? Then get ready to combine your passion for art with your love for nature in the ARC Heathland Art Competition 2025! Our theme for this year is HEATHLAND THREADS and is a t-shirt design competition. We're inviting artists, desi...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
On 17th July 2025, everybody at ARC was saddened to hear of the death of Keith Corbett at the age of 84. Keith’s whole life was dedicated to relentless campaigning and tireless hard work for the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. His work in the UK started to gain momentum in the late 1960s as a result of his concerns about the lack of attention being paid to the declines in our rarest species particularly the Sand Lizard. His field work on building the understanding of why Sand L...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons on 25 June and has now progressed to the House of Lords following a final debate in the Commons today. ARC still has significant concerns that the Bill as draft poses significant threats for wildlife and the proposed mechanism for mitigating impacts on species lack sufficient rigour or clarity around how they would work in practice. As an active member, ARC collaborated with the Wildlife & Countryside Link ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC’s Conservation Director, Jim Foster, outlines how evidence on a much-used field method should prompt a revision| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Much of Britain has been basking in glorious sunshine recently. But how do frogs, toads and newts react to an exceptional run of hot weather and no rain? It can be a mixed blessing. On the positive side, warmer temperatures in summer can help in a number of ways. Of course, as amphibians rely on external sources of heat; hot weather means they can be active more of the time. It may also mean that their prey are more active and possibly more numerous. Temperature has a crucial influence on th...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Join ARC staff and volunteers for fun filled days of crafts and activities at the New Forest Reptile Centre. There will be a range of activities available from quizzes to colouring sheets to making your very own bouncy snakes and our staff will be on hand to answer questions and share their love for the UK's frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards. You may also spot some of these amazing animals during your visit! At The New Forest Reptile Centre there are special outdoor ‘pods’ which ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Sand lizards, nightjars and natterjack toads are among the litany of species that people can enjoy at new Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve in Surrey| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
A great opportunity to get involved and to help monitor and conserve Scotland’s amphibians and reptiles!| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC’s Saving Scotland's Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR) Education Officer Janet Ullman talks about recent engagement work with Crofters, stewards of the Scottish Highlands flora and fauna.| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Publication date: 16th June 2025 Cut to Defra’s budget leaves significant challenges in meeting 2030 legally binding nature targets, cleaning up the country’s rivers and supporting a transition to nature-friendly farming. Nature groups say every penny must count in delivering environmental improvement and Government must strengthen the law to ensure that polluters always pay. Environment groups have welcomed the maintenance of the agricultural-environment budget today but warn wider...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Publication date:16th June 2025 Wildfires pose a significant threat to heathland ecosystems, wildlife, and nearby communities. With the increasing frequency of wildfires in the UK, it is crucial for those involved in land management to be prepared. Especially with a forecast prediction of higher than average temperatures and lower than average rainfall for this summer. The Dorset Heaths Partnership has been actively working to protect and manage the heathland habitats in Dorset for over 20 ye...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Following our launch of ARC’s Heathland Art Competition during #HeathWeek this year, we had an overwhelmingly positive response from artists, with submissions from all over. It's now time to announce the winners...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
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Publication date: 12th June 2025 In this latest blog ARC’s Conservation Director, Jim Foster, reflects on efforts to recover one of Europe’s rarest lizards The scene couldn’t have been more perfect. A box of lemons, labelled with the invitation “Take away/Portare”, perched at the edge of an alleyway leading down to the invitingly azure Tyrrhenian Sea. I’ve often thought the phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is helpful in nature conservation – making a virtue...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
We know the challenge. Together, we can deliver the solutions. That’s why we’re partnering with the likes of the RSPB, National Trust, Rewilding Britain and Marine Conservation Society for the first-ever Wild Summit, a full day dedicated to celebrating UK nature and building the collective momentum needed to restore it - coming to the Bristol Beacon on 11 September 2025. From shielding communities against extreme weather to supporting food systems and enhancing mental wellbeing, nature ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Date published: 22nd May 2025 In this Guest Blog, the adder author Nicholas Milton recommends reporting sensationalist or inaccurate media stories to the Independent Press Standards Organisation. When it comes to the media, no other species of British wildlife generates as many negative, misleading and damaging stories as the adder. As part of the research for my book ‘The Secret Life of the Adder – The Vanishing Viper’ I put the word adder into Google and then clicked on news stories f...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC are very happy to partner with Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK) and University of Chester to support Vanishing Viper 2025, being held in Molloy Hall, University of Chester on 6&7th September. This special two-day event focusing on our native adder, seeks to unlock the drivers behind adder declines, and determine how research and landscape-level projects can meet the challenges. The programme covers a range of fascinating topics and includes talks from ARC’s Jim Foster and...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Found throughout England, Scotland and Wales, slow-worms can be found in a wide range of habitats. In gardens, compost heaps, log piles and any refuge such as tin sheets, tiles or carpet left in a sunny spot could be home to a slow-worm or a group of slow-worms (known as a ‘lounge’). This close proximity to people will inevitably lead to encounters with our four-legged friends. Cats and dogs are part of many families, and most cat owners are very familiar with waking up to find a ‘prese...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 12th May 2025 Their distinctive rasping call can be heard up to a mile away, earning them the reputation as the UK’s loudest amphibian. Now the natterjack toad, long associated with British folklore, is making a remarkable comeback in the South Downs National Park after battling back from the brink. Natterjacks were once widespread across the heaths of southern England, but habitat loss and climate change had reduced their range to a single site at Woolmer Forest in Hampshire. Th...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 12th May 2025 The Mammal Society has convened more than 20 signatories, including Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, across the conservation, ecology, education and museum sectors to highlight to government and public the worrying trend of fieldwork opportunities disappearing from life science courses at UK universities. An open letter will be sent to ministers on Monday 12th May signed by representatives of conservation organisations, the ecological consultancy sector, universi...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The Tadpole Pack is a specially designed resource for Early Years Level 1 classes, providing a fun and engaging way to explore local ponds and the diverse life they support. This pack introduces young learners to the world of amphibians—frogs, toads, and newts—highlighting their importance to pond ecosystems and their role in biodiversity. Using simple science concepts, the Tadpole Pack helps children observe and learn about these fascinating creatures, making it easy to connect classroom...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 8th May 2025 This #AmphibianWeek ARC’s Saving Scotland’s Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR) project team are excited to unveil the newest addition to our educational resources: The Tadpole Pack, especially designed for Nursery schools and Early years in Scotland. Like the Champhibians project for primary schools, The Tadpole Pack aims for classes of Early years children to adopt a local pond or their own school pond as a place to learn about amphibians and water life. The pack int...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC’s Saving Scotland's Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR) Education Officer Janet Ullman looks back on a busy year, and forward to the next In Scotland we are basking in spring sunshine, from the Lowlands to the Highlands. This has resulted in a very early surveying season for all amphibians and reptiles. The Saving Scotland Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR) team of Rachael and I hardly had time to dust off the cobwebs from nets and trays before we were thrust out into the wilds to do survey ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 25th April 2025 ARC was pleased to partner with NatureScot and Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK) in conducting a study of adder status in Scotland over the last three years. The resulting evidence raises concerns about Scottish adder populations. The study repeated methods used in an earlier project, published by NatureScot’s predecessor in 1994. A questionnaire survey targeted towards audiences familiar with land over a long period of time (e.g. farmers, crofters,...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
In recent year's many people have started to grow their own food for the first time and it is only to be expected that new gardeners want to protect their precious crops. A lot of people have also added ponds to their gardens with some choosing to cover the pond to protect fish or due to concerns around child safety. One method traditionally used to do this is garden netting. This has prompted ARC to issue a reminder that garden netting can prove fatal for amphibians and reptiles. Grass snake...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published 9th April 2025 In this latest blog ARC’s Conservation Director, Jim Foster, discusses possible solutions relating to the complex issues of amphibians and roads In the conservation world, it’s often the simple solutions that gain the most attention. One such example is the use of amphibian ladders in roadside drains, technically known as gullypots. These ladders can indeed help animals escape from these deadly traps, but they are far from a complete solution. Roads pose wider p...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Our names are Kitty and Bonnie and we are crazy about frogs! We wanted to find a charity that helps protect frogs and their habitats as we care so much about them and their future| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 21st March 2025 The Planning and Infrastructure Bill was published on 11 March, and here we provide an update on ARC’s views. The Bill seeks to make the most significant changes to wildlife law in a generation, on the basis that our legislation creates regulatory barriers to economic growth. In particular, the Bill seeks to establish a parallel track of regulation via which developers will be able to discharge their environmental responsibilities via a “pay and go” approach...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 20th February 2025 Background Government has invited comments on proposals to reform land use planning processes in England, in a “Working Paper on Planning Reform and Nature Recovery” (see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-reform-working-paper-development-and-nature-recovery). The paper sets out proposals for substantial changes to the way that species are considered in planning. ARC has reviewed the paper and submitted the response below, as well as comment...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Matt Cooke ARC's Natur am Byth Adder Action Project Officer shares how he has been exploring adder attitudes, training and recruiting volunteers and making plans for spring 2025 Despite adders enjoying the deep rest of hibernation over the last few months, it’s been a busy period for myself and Adder Action as we capitalised on the off-survey season to give training workshops, recruit volunteers and engage communities in advance of adder emergence and spring 2025. On November 30th I was...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
As the weather warms up there are signs of spring starting to appear all around us. One of the most iconic of these is frogspawn in our local ponds. With our froggy (and toady!) friends getting frisky across the country, we’ve had lots of enquiries about breeding and spawning behaviour and about the resulting spawn. Common frogs usually breed earliest, spawning in south-west England, south Wales and southern Ireland sometimes as early as January. Then breeding spreads north and east as spri...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The Herpetofauna Workers Meeting is, for many involved in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the UK, the highlight of the calendar and this year was no different. With a varied programme of presentations and workshops, and plenty of opportunity for networking, the 2025 conference was a great success. This annual conference organised in partnership by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK) was held on 1st & 2nd February 2025 at ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published:31st January 2025 A report published today has revealed that 84% of pond sites created through a pioneering scheme that replaces habitat lost to development are colonised by great crested newts after three or more years. The research also shows that individual ponds created or restored through the scheme are more than twice as likely to be occupied by great crested newts than the average English pond. The national scheme is entirely funded by developers and does not rely on any publ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published: 21st January 2025 Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is starting the New Year with a prestigious award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The 18-month development grant* of £212,496 will support ARC to progress their plans to create education programmes centred around amphibian and reptile species, connecting young people to native wildlife and creating educational resources available for use across the UK. The ambitious initiative, known as Hop Spots, will focus on r...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Inspiring Children and Young People to Protect Native Species Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a national education project called Hop Spots. The development phase is the opportunity to progress the ideas which formed the original project concept and put plans in place for the full project delivery which will, subject to funding, start in 2027. Hop Spots! is a project to involve young people in the conserva...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published 17th January 2025 ARC’s Conservation Director, Jim Foster, thinks last year was a good one for book-worms. Here he rounds up some of his favourite 2024 titles. This is rather a personal and selective list of books published last year that have some relevance to herp conservation. Hopefully it will attract a wider readership to some lesser known titles, alongside the more familiar ones. Ponds, Pools and Puddles by Jeremy Biggs and Penny Williams (William Collins, London). ISBN: 978...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Published 9th January 2025 New proposals for the planning regime must demonstrate benefits for protected species like the great crested newt, says ARC’s Conservation Director, Jim Foster. You may have noticed a disturbing pattern of media stories denouncing great crested newts, starting around last summer. I won’t recount all of them here; in short, some developers and politicians see newts as a hindrance to new development. Most notably, the Deputy Prime Minister and even the Prime Minis...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
2,874 amphibian species and 1,845 reptile species are currently threatened with extinction and desperately need our help. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is doing a great job of fighting their corner - but the conservation of these amazing creatures receives far less funding than the conservation of our feathered and furry friends. This month I'll be doing one press up for every species of amphibian and reptile that's threatened with extinction, and every penny that I raise will go to supp...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) proudly co-hosts its annual Joint Scientific Meeting with the British Herpetological Society (BHS), one of the oldest and most prestigious societies of its kind in the world. Founded in 1947 by Britain’s leading herpetologists, the BHS continues to hold national learned status and remains a cornerstone of the herpetological community. Scientific research underpins the conservation activities carried out by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. This in...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Reptile populations are in decline globally, driven primarily by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. In England, where only six native reptile species exist, these challenges are particularly critical. Thoughtful habitat design could play a crucial role in reversing these declines, but only if these habitats are specifically designed and managed with reptiles' unique needs in mind. Habitat Design and Reptiles When reptiles are considered in habitat design, effo...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The world is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction of species, caused by a wide range of human activities. The 2023 State of Nature Report, highlights the UK’s ongoing decline in nature, and its status as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. If we want to stem and even reverse these alarming losses, there is no time to lose using techniques that don’t work. Like medical interventions, conservation actions need to be based on the best available evidence, shared rapidl...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The National Amphibian Survey is an opportunity to spend time in nature, observe wild amphibians, practice your amphibian-spotting and identification skills, and advance our understanding of how amphibian populations in Britain are faring and what can be done to improve their status. The survey is one of a number of surveys and projects that make up ARC’s National Amphibian and Reptile Monitoring Programme. It uses a standardised protocol to collect data that are suitable for use in a rang...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Reptiles are declining globally, driven primarily by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. In England, where we have only six native reptile species these challenges are particularly critical. Habitat design could play a crucial role in reversing these declines. However, it might not meet the specific needs of reptiles unless habitats are carefully designed and managed with reptiles’ habitat requirements in mind. By considering reptiles in habitat design we...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Autumn can be a tough time for amphibians and reptiles. What can we do to make it better? As the weather gets cooler, amphibians and reptiles are looking for a place to hide over the winter. Sometimes, we can forget this when we get caught up in seasonal festivities. What might look like a brilliant pre-made bonfire to us can look like the perfect hibernation spot to a toad or a newt. Here, we’ve compiled a few guides on how to best help your garden wildlife to get ready for the more diff...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Without urgent remedies the UK’s poor progress to internationally agreed 30x30 targets risks failure for nature on the global stage, warn nature experts. Annual progress tracker on the landmark 30x30 nature target shows a decrease in the amount of land in England effectively protected for nature to under 3%, while the amount of sea protected increases fractionally to 9.9% The annual update from Wildlife and Countryside Link into progress in England on the target to protect 30% of land and s...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
A relatively new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) offering in the Dorset area as of September 2022, Livability Millie College are looking to create strong future pathways for students aged 16-25 years old. Students live with a range of social, emotional, mental health conditions, autism, learning disabilities and physical disabilities, so it is important to focus on the individual and adapt the learning and life goals to suit each person. The curriculum at Millie College is bas...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
September 9th was the start of Freshers’ Week for the University of Edinburgh and ARC’s Saving Scotland's Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR) Project Officers were there to support it for the third year in a row. SSAAR have had a close working relationship with the Wildlife Society of the University, supporting a variety of events and activities through out the academic year. Through the Wildlife Society many students have gained an insight into the workings of ARC overall and some students h...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Matt Cooke ARC's Natur am Byth! Adder Action Project Officer fills us in on what he's been up to during his first busy summer with the project. It has been a busy debut summer for me and Adder Action, hosting a variety of events, surveys and training workshops across Wales, whilst making sure to meet with landowners and partner conservation officers to provide adder considerate management advice. Though intense, it has been a wonderful immersion into Welsh adder ecology and conservation, d...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
As the summer sun fades and the days shorten, the ARC team reflects on a remarkable season that has seen nearly thirty impactful events across the UK. Over the past three months, ARC staff and dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in strengthening links between partners and the public. ARC’s efforts have concentrated on delivering expert advice, advancing herpetological education, and showcasing a diverse range of engaging resources for early years to undergraduates. Shane Gausden, AR...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC's review of a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about ponds, their ecology and conservation Ponds, Pools and Puddles Jeremy Biggs & Penny Williams. New Naturalist Series no. 148, William Collins. ISBN 978-0-00-220085-1 (hardback); ISBN 978-0-00-870300-4 (paperback) Pages 614 Ponds have a significant place in the British landscape, ecologically, socially, and economically. However, until recently, their study has been neglected, with interests in freshwater focusing o...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC Membership & Communications Officer, Kim Boughey looks back on an enjoyable day spent at the New Forest Reptile Centre Our ARC Members are an integral part of the ARC family, acting as ambassadors for the UK’s disappearing amphibians and reptiles, spreading the word about ARC’s important work and donating invaluable core funds which enables us to conserve these precious animals and their habitats. Each year we hold a special event which is free for ARC Members to attend as a big ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Following the incredibly positive response we received from ARC’s Heathland Art Competition during #HeathWeek in 2023, we revived the competition for more fun this year. We asked artists passionate about heathlands and the species that live in them to create some incredible artwork showcasing why the heaths are so important. This year’s competition was judged by Forestry England’s Richard Daponte, who ARC has been working with to carry out a refurbishment at the New Forest Reptile Ce...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
In this guest blog by Sally Ferguson (ARC Member and part-time MA fine Art student at UCA) Sally explains how her recent sculpture was inspired by a wildlife encounter A 1.8m stuffed cloth artwork depicting this important rare lizard on RSPB Farnham Heath can be seen as part of a Heathlands Artworks Trail until 31st October 2024. My husband Robert and I, who are both ARC Members, saw the sand lizard depicted in this area when on an exploration of the heath led by ARC in 2023. A photograph tak...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC's reserves are havens for many organisms, not only reptiles and amphibians. Warm dry heathlands, for example, are home to a large proportion of our 500 species of nest-building wasps and bees. Many dig burrows in bare, sandy soil, so areas created with species like sand lizards in mind provide excellent habitat. Jeremy Field (University of Exeter) tells us more. Under the auspices of ARC, we have recently been investigating the biology of Sand Wasps (Ammophila pubescens) at Witley Common ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Cally Ullman-Smith, Volunteer for ARC’s Saving Scotland’s Amphibian and Reptiles Project gives us a few tips on terminology in Gaelic! Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig na h’ Alba) may be in minority, spoken and understood by a fortunate few, but it is a language of the land. It is connected to the heartland of Scottish nature; the Highlands (A' Ghàidhealtachd) where it occurs in the local tongue in the proud names of the landscape that hold the wonders of Scotland’s biodiversity. It i...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Join ARC Staff at the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst on Wednesday 4th September for a chance to see native amphibians and reptiles up close and to find out more about ARC’s work to protect these animals in the wild. Our ARC Members are an integral part of the ARC family, acting as ambassadors for the UK’s disappearing amphibians and reptiles, spreading the word about ARC’s important work and donating invaluable core funds which enables us to conserve these precious animals an...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC Trustee, Howard Inns gives his roundup of behind-the-scenes of this year's BBC Springwatch, from natterjacks to smooth snakes. Every year BBC's flagship Springwatch series makes over 20 hours of programme content, at least 50% of which is live, from multiple locations with around 40 live cameras focused on birds’ nests or other points of interest. Two of ARC’s patrons, Chris Packham and Iolo Williams, are presenters on the show which in 2023 and 2024 has been based at RSPB Arne. T...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
🎨Are you a keen artist? Share your impression of the kaleidoscope of colour found on our heathlands! This #HeathWeek , ARC are bringing our art competition back… 🖌️ ARC’s Heathland Art Competition is back! This year, we’re looking for artists with a passion for nature and all things wild to create a piece inspired by our native amphibians, reptiles and where they live. (See last year's submissions) Our theme for 2024 is COLOURS OF THE HEATH. We’d love to see how you v...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC’s Education Officer for Saving Scotland’s Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAAR), Janet Ullman updates us on a busy summer so far; prize winning Champhibian School student, a new slow-worm survey, bringing Gaelic into our work and more. The SSAARs project is having the usual busy summer. We had what is now becoming the annual schools’ day with Urban Roots in Glasgow, with over 100 school children visiting. There was also a Highland Tour of schools with the Highland Ranger Service’s ‘P...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Cofnod, the North Wales environmental records centre, and local ecological experts brought their expertise to four of ARC’s nature reserves in northeast Wales this summer to help increase the recorded biodiversity of sites in a wonderful knowledge exchange. All four of the sites surveyed are known to host great crested newts and consist mainly of ponds, meadows, hedgerows and trees. Two of the sites are managed via a lease with Flintshire County Council. Mandy Cartwright, ARC’s North Wale...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
All our reptiles shed their skins (or “slough”, pronounced "sluff") several times a year and, usefully, the species the slough has come from can usually be identified by the markings on it. So we can tell if, for example, grass snakes occur in a given area without ever having seen a grass snake there! For several years now, ARC has maintained a “bank” of reptile sloughs which are made available to researchers or universities investigating various aspects of reptile biology, conservat...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
There’s a rock in the middle of the sea that the playwright William Shakespeare once affectionately referred to as The Sceptred Isle. It’s nuzzled between the European continent and the Island of Ireland. This island is home to some truly incredible examples of what the natural world has to offer. In our Atlantic rainforests the rare bluebells bloom in abundance, and Capercaillies strut through leks, making an extraordinary call. Buzzards fly overhead and moles burrow under our feet. Amon...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
On Saturday 22 June Amphibian and Reptile Conservation joined more than 60,000 people and over 350 charities, businesses and action groups to march through central London to parliament. They had one simple but powerful message to all the UK’s political parties – that they must Restore Nature Now. The march is thought to have been the biggest public demonstration in the General Election run-up and shows the strength of public opinion on the need for stronger political action to tackle th...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Highlands, 17th June 2024. National wildlife charity, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is thrilled to announce the newest character joining their adopt-a-pond schools programmes: Losgy an Losgann! The delightful name, chosen by enthusiastic nursery school pupils from Ullapool, emerged victorious in a recent naming contest aimed at fostering engagement and excitement among young ecologists. The competition was in partnership with the Highland Ranger Service through their ‘Puddles to ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Nature is in crisis – species and their habitats are under increasing pressures and the UK remains one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. But there is hope. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC) is one of many environmental NGOs that are actively working to conserve wildlife and to provide the voice it needs to survive into the future. As a leading custodian of UK amphibians and reptiles and the habitats on which they depend, ARC is well positioned to make a positive d...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Recently ARC’s reptile conservation officer, Nick Moulton, visited the New Forest Reptile Centre to assist with a health checkup for the centre’s resident sand lizards. The lizards are part of the sand lizard reintroduction programme and require checkups to enable them to be released into the wild. The New Forest Reptile Centre is a much loved landmark. Situated just outside of Lyndhurst village, the centre offers a unique day out. Pods enable visitors to get a close up view of native...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
John is 7 and a half years old and always had a passion for wildlife and wanting to make sure we look after all creatures great and small. From saving spiders in the house to making a home for nature in the garden. Reptiles have been a firm favourite aninal group for him, initially because they are most like dinosaurs! We recently read the Animals of Farthing Wood and right from the beginning Adder was his favourite character. John ran a local 5km dressed as an adder as the start of his fundr...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Recently, ARC held a three day long "Reptiles and Amphibians of Dorset" Tour with NatureTrek. Here's what the participants got up to, as told by Dorset Field Officer, James. Reptiles and Amphibians of Dorset Tour Day 1: Despite the consistent heavy drizzle and temperatures of 8°c, we headed out to ARC Trust's Creech nature reserve this afternoon in search of any species braving the weather. After looking at bog beacon, devil's matchstick fungus, sundew, Dorset heather and finding two adder s...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
An exciting restoration project between Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust will help to boost numbers of great crested newt at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve. (Darllen yn Gymraeg) A network of six new ponds were created in February this year, which will help to restore and create new foraging and breeding habitats for the species. Last year, four existing ponds were also restored on the reserve. Great crested newts are a European ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC are committed to fostering a world where equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are not only embraced but celebrated within the conservation community. We recognize that biodiversity extends beyond the ecosystems we strive to protect; it encompasses the rich tapestry of human experiences, perspectives, and voices. That's why we're dedicated to promoting EDI principles in all facets of our work. Our EDI Vision Our Commitment Our Initiatives Case Studies Join Us Our EDI Vision At t...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Last weekend (6th & 7th April) were the dates set for this year's Big Green Hike. An amazing and inspiring story has emerged of a young Skye Kentwright, who decided to raise funds for amphibians and reptiles in the UK! Skye managed to walk an incredible 8km and has raised over £600 - smashing her goal of £500. Skye's mother, Hollie, recalls the details: I saw the Big Green Hike advertised on Instagram at the start of the year and asked Skye if she would like to take part. She immediately ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
At ARC, we’re keen to provide opportunities to people from a wide range of backgrounds (i.e. more than just Ecology and Conservation students). Recently, ARC hosted Kiril, an IT student, to do a placement with our IT Manager, Johnny, for a month. Kiril had this to say about the placement: “When I was looking for a work placement my main goal was to work for an IT company. Eventually, I received no responses, so I chose a company from the college work placement list. I had a choice betw...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Something that happens only rarely occurs ‘once in a blue moon’. ARC's Pool Frog Recovery Project Manager details why this celestial phenomenon is so crucial to the UK's rarest amphibian. Astronomically, there are two definitions of blue moon, but the most commonly used refer to the second of two full moons occurring in the same month. The next "seasonal" blue moon falls on the 19 August this year (2024). Traditionally some cultures have named full moons marking different times of the yea...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC along with five Environmental partners are today (Friday 15 March) celebrating an award from the Government’s Species Survival Fund to help halt species decline and restore habitats in the New Forest. The New Forest is a world capital for wildlife underpinned by an ancient tradition of free-roaming commoning animals. However, the New Forest is not immune to changes that have seen habitats lost and species decline. The funding will see partner organisations and landowners working togethe...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
The New Forest is a world capital for wildlife underpinned by an ancient tradition of free-roaming commoning animals. However, the New Forest is not immune to changes that have seen habitats lost and species decline. The funding will see partner organisations and landowners working together to enhance 250 hectares of land for nature across 25 sites – the equivalent of 350 football pitches. The partners are: Freshwater Habitats Trust The New Forest National Park Authority Hampshire & Isle ...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Earlier this month ARC hosted a visit from Swedish pool frog expert, Per Sjögren-Gulve. In the 1980s, Per completed his PhD study at Uppsala University, Sweden, on the pool frog, and he has been involved in the research and conservation of the species ever since. Swedish pool frogs are part of the genetically distinct northern form of the species, which includes frogs that used to live in England. After the pool frog became extinct in England in the 1990's, it was reintroduced by import...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Written by Snakes in the Heather Public Engagement and Education Officer, Owain Masters. Updates from the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project, Snakes in the Heather. Snakes in the Heather has slithered to an end! On behalf of the whole Snakes in the Heather (SitH) project team, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part – joining our events and activities and volunteering your time through Citizen Science surveys and habitat management volunteer day...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
International Womens Day (IWD) is 8 March 2024. IWD seeks to celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity. At ARC, we want to uplift our staff and make sure their voices are heard. Click on the pictures to hear personal stories from some of ARC's members of staff this International Women's Day. DR RACHAEL COOPER-BOHANNON: Scotland Projects Coordinator My conservation journey began as far back as I can remember, fuelled by my Da...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Jump to... Introduction | How to use this guidance | Contents Introduction The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) is Britain’s rarest reptile; in Britain its range is restricted to the southern heathlands of England. The species was only recognised in England in the 1850s, its late discovery perhaps reflecting its secretive nature. Being closely associated with heathlands, the status of the species will have echoed the fortunes of this habitat; only one sixth of the heathland that...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Earlier this month ARC proudly marked the conclusion of the 4 ½ years Snakes in the Heather project, a large collaborative project to further smooth snake conservation across its range in Southern England, by hosting the Snakes in the Heather Celebration event. The celebration event took place in Ringwood, an area central to large areas of heathland habitat between Hampshire and Dorset. Project partners, dedicated volunteers, and supporters, who have provided species data, undertaken reptile...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Natur am Byth Adder Action will work across Wales to help understand and begin to address the recent (and potentially urgent) declines in adder populations, thus hopefully helping the species along its recovery curve. There are several main objectives of Adder Action: Collaborate with other Natur am Byth projects, partners and volunteers to ensure any planned habitat works are considerate of the needs of adder populations and, where relevant, adder-positive features are integrated in to pro...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Joint Press Release 23rd February 2024 By National Trust, RSPB, Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, A coalition of nature and landscape charities have joined forces to object to a serious threat to the internationally significant nature reserve at Sandscale Haws and the wider Morecambe Bay and Duddon estuary. A revised planning application for the Roanhead Farm redevelopment, which lies directly adjacent to the nature sites ha...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
ARC's Conservation Director, Jim Foster reflects on this year's annual conference and share some delegate highlights The Herpetofauna Workers’ Meeting is the annual conference for anyone interested in conserving reptiles and amphibians, and this year its 37th iteration took place in Fareham, Hampshire on 3rd and 4th February. With herp diversity highest in southern England, it is perhaps a surprise that the event rarely graces these parts, but the aim has always been to rotate it around the...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Richard Sharp and Rob Free from ARC’s field teams explain how we use conservation grazing as part of our habitat management work and some of the important aspects which must be taken into account before using this long-standing method. The British Isles has a long history of human intervention and management, including grazing, leading to a high proportion of semi- natural open habitats, semi-natural meaning a wild habitat with some management from humans needed to maintain it in its pres...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
A report published 3rd February 2024 shows that one of Britain’s most iconic species – the great crested newt – has already colonised more than half of pond sites created through a scheme launched in 2018. The report from the Newt Conservation Partnership includes monitoring data on habitat created and restored between 2018 and 2023 for the NatureSpace District Licensing Scheme for Great Crested Newt. The protected amphibian was recorded at 58% of the pond sites developed through the sc...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Ever wondered how the UK’s amphibians and reptiles keep themselves from freezing in this icy weather? As ectothermic animals (i.e. they cannot generate their own body heat like mammals and birds), they have to find other ways to keep the winter weather at bay. Keep reading to discover some incredible adaptations that three of our native species have evolved. Unfrozen blood Common lizards have “anti-freeze blood”! Glucose molecules have cryoprotectant properties that help to ensure these...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Jim Foster, ARC’s Conservation Director, investigates our milder winters and what they mean for the UK's frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards. The recent cold snap affecting much of Britain has taken some by surprise, yet these chilly conditions were the norm, historically speaking. As I write this, there are snow showers in many parts of Britain and overnight temperatures will often hit minus 5C. We have become used to milder weather over the winter months in recent years, as climate ch...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
With the first round of sub-zero temperatures around the country this year, we’re gearing up to receive enquiries about ponds freezing, and how this will affect amphibians. Here, we’ll try to answer some of those questions to dispel those winter worries. Spawn Frogspawn can be affected by cold weather. If a layer of ice forms over the surface of the spawn it may die, but the eggs at the bottom of the clump still have a chance of survival. Newt eggs and toad spawn tend to be more protected...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Listed below are our current vacancies: No current vacancies Other opportunities: Volunteering Work placements Back to top Voluntary Opportunities We have a variety of opportunities for work placements and volunteering. For more conservation jobs see environmentjob.co.uk| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Guidance for local action by responsible authorities to protect native herpetofauna. Embedding the latest ARC guidance into your Local Nature Recovery Strategy will drive tangible, positive change for your local wildlife and local communities. Our native amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna) are key bioindicators of change in our ecosystems. They are sensitive to changes in their environment, and integral to ecological function. A number of species are already at risk of extinction while the...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Dad had a life-long interest in frogs, toads, newts, grass snakes and adders. He used to visit ponds as a youngster, cycling out from Newmarket, to see what he could find. He dug a pond for us as children and Tom later reciprocated, making a pond for Dad in his garden which attracted frogs, toads and newts. We’re not sure that he was overly impressed that toads spawned in his pond last year rather than frogs, but we were fascinated! We have no idea where the newts came from as the garden is...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is a UK-based wildlife charity dedicated to the conservation of two important groups of animals. We do this through our staff and our volunteers, by working with partners and by influencing others through advocacy, education and increasing awareness. Reptiles and amphibians are an important part of our natural history and are deeply rooted in our culture, yet they are under threat both nationally and globally. Frogs, toads, newts, lizards, snakes and...| Amphibian and Reptile Conservation