| Secretary: | John Newton |
| email: |
The Sorby Amphibian and Reptile Group was formed in 2006 to study and promote conservation of local Reptiles and Amphibians.
With the 2008 season upon us, it would be really encouraging to receive a lot of active support in the years' activities. We have a lot of areas to cover, and many of the more common species are now under even greater threat than might be imagined - we are very fortunate to be in a position where continuing effort from Sorby members over the years maintains the South Yorkshire database of reptiles and amphibians at the forefront of UK herpetological recording schemes.
The huge uncertainty of being able to reliably forecast optimum weather conditions for reptile survey, necessarily means that many outdoor survey events are best organised by keeping in touch with the secretary so that any planned survey visits can be matched to the best weather windows. The training days mentioned below can be carried out regardless of the weather, although a fine day does help to make things more enjoyable!
On 15th March 2008 we will be organising an Adder Training Day. This will comprise a day out on local moorland, surveying for emergent adders and common lizards, particularly with regard to identifying hibernacula sites. Survey techniques will be demonstrated/discussed, including data acquisition and recording into the NARRS National Reptile/Amphibian Database. This is an ongoing survey (4thyear) for the 'Make the Adder Count' project.
On 19th April 2008 we will be organising an Amphibian Training Day. This will include a daytime pond visit to observe local amphibians, and their eggs/larvae. Daytime survey techniques will be demonstrated/discussed, including data acquisition and recording into the NARRS National Reptile/Amphibian Database. Depending on the level of interest, it may be possible to return for an evening visit, and night-time survey methods.
On 3rd May 2008 we will be visiting Ainsdale Sand Dunes Local Nature Reserve where, weather permitting, it should be possible to obtain good sightings of Sand Lizard and Natterjack toads as well as local botany.
Also in May (possibly 8th/9th) we are hoping to spend a couple of days with the Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT) to provide training for a limited number of people. Recent amendments to the Habitat Regulations appear to have a bearing on survey methods, still not clearly understood by all. We would like to hear of anyone from Sorby who feel they may benefit from this course, bearing in mind an obvious need to keep numbers of people to a manageable level. Surveyors from Sheffield Wildlife Trust, the Park & Countryside Ranger Service, and Doncaster Environmental Records Centre may also be attending the course.
Currently the Group is committed to carrying out a reptile/amphibian survey at Doncaster Prison (ex RAF Lindholme), with specific focus on adder.
It is hoped to set up a South Yorkshire/Yorkshire Adder Project, with specific emphasis on habitat management/improvement, but obviously with some attendant survey activity. Funding by SITA
During spring 2008, we will be surveying Local Sites in Rotherham, specifically for data/records pertaining to breeding success of reptiles/amphibians.
In addition to the field activities mentioned above, we plan to hold several indoor meetings, which it is hoped will include active assessment of survey records, habitat management/quality issues, and interesting presentations from other ARG Groups.
Finally we intend to continue our involvement in the national NARRS surveys for Widespread Species.