Go-Ahead for Biffawards Ponds

The go-ahead has just been given for a series of pond creation projects, to be funded by Biffaward, as part of the Million Ponds Project.  £202,654 from Biffaward will see 366 ponds created on 63 sites.  All these projects will benefit BAP species associated with ponds.  The figures for herps are:

• 158 ponds targeting common toad

• 22 ponds targeting natterjack toad

• 179 ponds targeting great crested newt

• 111 ponds targeting grass snake

Of course, many other species will also benefit from the new ponds. The Million Ponds Project is a 50-year initiative, coordinated by Pond Conservation, to reverse the long-term decline in the UKs ponds, increasing pond numbers to one million and, crucially, creating clean water habitats in the landscape. At present, some 80% of ponds in England and Wales are in poor condition, mainly as a result of water pollution. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is a lead partner in the project and is supporting projects that will benefit amphibians and the grass snake.

The next round of Biffaward funding will be open to new applications in October 2010, with the deadline for submissions being January 2011. Although the Million Ponds Project is a 50-year initiative, 2011 will be the final year for Biffaward funding. This funding is available to landowners or land managers able to create new ponds that will benefit any of the BAP species associated with ponds, with a particular focus on the most endangered species which are in danger of disappearing from England and Wales completely. Sites do not need to have public access to be eligible for funding and grants cover 100% of contractor costs. To find out more about funding for pond projects contact David Orchard, Ponds Project Officer with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

Course on UK Herps

Dave Bird is running a weekend long course on UK Reptiles and Amphibians, 3-5 September at the Kingcombe Environmental Centre near Dorchester, Dorset.  Details.

Southwest Regional Meeting 2010

The date for the ARG UK’s first regional meeting in the Southwest has been set for 27 November 2010.  The Southwest Regional Meeting is being jointly organised by Somerset Environmental Records Centre and the Reptile and Amphibian Group of Somerset, to be held at Draycott Memorial Hall, near Cheddar. Flyer.

A programme of speakers and conference registration details will be announced during the summer 2010.  To register your interest, please email pernille*oecologic.co.uk and conference details will be sent to you when they become available. 

Great Crested Newt HSI

An Advice Note on the use of the Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index is now available as a pdf download.  This document was produced as an output from a workshop held at the Herpetofauna Workers' Meeting way back in 2007.  It may be subject to future amendments, but the current draft is a useful working document.

WILDGuides Publication

The latest publication from WildGuides, written by Howard Inns. 

£17.95.  Order online www.wildguides.co.uk or telephone Brian 01628 529297.