UK amphibians and reptiles
There are various amphibians (frogs, toads, newts) and reptiles (lizards and snakes) found around the UK.
If there are lots of amphibians in a wetland, it's a sign the water is clean and healthy. Amphibians can breathe and soak up water through their skin, which makes them very sensitive to pollution. If there aren't many, it could mean the water is polluted.
Reptiles can live a long time and don’t move very fast. This makes it difficult for them to escape when their habitats are destroyed or polluted.
Both use a few different places to hibernate – compost piles, rock piles, log piles, under soil and sometimes at the bottom of ponds; somewhere away from the cold and frost.
Like with other animals, it is very important to provide a place to find food, shelter and safety in our green spaces. As amphibians and reptiles hibernate they will be more vulnerable, so shelter and safety is doubly important.
CONNECT BY:
WATCHING THE WATER
Many amphibians breed in the edges of ponds. Look for frogspawn and tadpoles in February and March.
LISTENING FOR CALLS
Amphibians such as frogs and toads have distinct calls, especially during breeding season.
LOOKING UNDERCOVER
Look in compost heaps, under corrugated iron sheets, old wood. These offer shelter and warmth for reptiles like snakes and slow-worms.
KNOWING WHEN TO SPOT
Most amphibians are nocturnal so best time to see them is at night. Reptiles like to bask in the sun. Look for in late June, early in the morning and late afternoon. Photograph the animal in its natural habitat rather than disturb it.
OR CHOOSE YOUR OWN WAY TO CONNECT WITH UK AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES
TAKE ACTION BY:
BUILDING A POND (BIG OR SMALL)
Ponds are vital breeding habitats for amphibians which rely on still water for laying eggs and raising their young.
CREATING SHELTER
A compost heap or hibernaculum offers a warm, moist environment and a good source of food for reptiles and amphibians.
PATROLLING FOR TOADS
Encourage people to set up a Toad Patrol and register a Toad Crossing if you find a crossing route. One sighting can make a world of difference to populations in your area!
KEEPING RECORDS
You might be able to save a pond if you find newts living there. Use apps like iNaturalist or contact your local conservation group.
OR CHOOSE YOUR OWN WAY TO TAKE ACTION FOR UK AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES
BE A VOICE FOR CHANGE BY:
Currently, nearly a third of Britain’s reptiles and amphibians are under threat of extinction.
Part of conservation is using your voice to create social change around you.
There’s no one way to do this, you could create a poster or artwork, you could create a film or give a talk to friends and family, you could even write to your local MP to make them more aware of a conservation issue you’re passionate about.
Whatever you choose, get creative and do something that suits your way of using your voice for change!
