ARG UK Advice notes - Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK

ARG UK Advice Note 12 Amphibian and Reptile Reintroduction Guidelines Nov 2024 (updated)

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:17:37 +0000

In the face of ongoing wildlife declines, releasing animals back into the wild has become an increasingly popular proposition. For species with limited dispersal abilities, such as amphibians and reptiles, actively moving animals may be the only way of restoring them to some sites. Nevertheless, reintroductions are not without risk. They require careful assessment, planning and delivery – all of which can be costly. The risks and costs mean that in practice reintroduction is often not the best conservation intervention. A related issue of ‘genetic rescue’ of declining populations has also attracted interest recently. Similarly to reintroduction, such action can be very appealing but requires careful consideration. This advice note was developed to support volunteer Amphibian and Reptile Groups to evaluate re-intrduction proposals, and determine whether the actions suggested are appropriate for their location. We also recommend consultation with other national NGOs and statutory agencies.

Top tips for spotting amphibians and reptiles, AGM workshop July 2024

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:49:06 +0100

10. Advice note 10: Reptile Survey and Mitigation Guidance for Peatland Habitats

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:19:06 +0100

The guidance in this document is intended to assist in designing mitigation for impacts on reptiles during peatland restoration works. The mitigation approaches may also be suitable for the construction phase of some developments on peatland habitats. This guidance focuses on Scotland where peatland habitats are extensive, but could be applied elsewhere in the UK or Ireland where this habitat also occurs. While it deals explicitly with peatlands, many of the recommendations could be followed or adapted for other habitats which may be occupied by reptiles.

Three reptile species (adder, common lizard, and slow-worm) are known to occur in Scottish peatlands, while the grass snake is also present in England. Only common lizards occur in Northern Ireland and Ireland. All native reptile species are protected under relevant national legislation, and are also included on the national lists used to define the Biodiversity Duty of public bodies in the UK.

Built developments may be sited on peatland habitats, while restoration is often the subject of site management for nature reserves and habitat management plans associated with developments such as onshore wind farms. While restoration of peatlands will ultimately benefit biodiversity, the methods used can conflict with reptiles.

This document provides guidance to help plan peatland restoration so as to avoid negative impacts on reptiles so far as is practical.

A flow chart and summary table are provided to assist project planning.

It is essential that reptile mitigation is designed based on the best possible baseline dataset, collected through use of historic data, habitat mapping and presence surveys.

One of the greatest risks to reptiles on peatland sites is the loss of hibernaculum features, either directly or through raising the water table. Hibernacula should be mapped and it is essential to time work so as to avoid these features during the hibernation period. Recommendations are given for construction of artificial hibernacula.

The report should be cited as:

Cathrine, C. (2024). ARG UK Advice Note 10: Reptile Survey and Mitigation Guidance for Peatland Habitats. Version 2. Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the United Kingdom.

8 ARG UK Advice note 8 Organising guided walks for the public updated Feb 2024

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:42:34 +0000

Many Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs) attend, or run educational and training sessions for ARG volunteers and the wider public. This advice note provides some suggestions for organizing such public facing events, based on the experiences of the groups.

Concerns have been expressed about animal welfare issues, where animals may be disturbed by guided walks and training sessions, and handling. In order to minimize the impact to the animals, whilst still allowing volunteers and the wider public to engage and interact with them for educational purposes, we have also included some general guidelines about this aspect.

Toad Conservation Toad patrols in the UK

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:34:13 +0000

RAVON + ARG UK Grass Snake Egg-laying Heaps - flier 2019.pdf

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 22:47:21 +0100

11. Advice Note 11 - Managing Habitat for Adders, Advice for Land Managers, May 2018

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Thu, 24 May 2018 13:51:32 +0100

This note provides advice for land owners and managers, by highlighting sympathetic management practices for adders, and identifying ways in which conflict with other land uses can be minimised. Although written primarily for land managers, it may also be of use to other stakeholders including: conservation and statutory bodies, local authority planners and local volunteer groups

3. ARG UK Advice Note 3 'Insurance Arrangements for Affiliated Groups' revised April 2018

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:28:14 +0100

Top tips for safe toad patrolling.pdf

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 15:17:09 +0000

2. Advice note 2 - Establishing and Maintaining a Volunteer Amphibian and Reptile Group - Feb 2018.pdf

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 08:16:05 +0000

If you are looking at establishing an ARG in your area then this is the advice note to consult. You are welcome to contact the ARG UK Coordinator, on angela.julian@arguk.org, so that we can support you in getting the group off the ground.

Background
Getting started
The inaugural meeting and first steps
Tips for running a local group
Maintaining an ARG
Special projects
Generic Amphibian and Reptile Group constitution

9. ARGUK Advice note 9 - General Data Protection Regulations for volunteer groups.pdf

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 10:30:03 +0000

On 25th May 2018 the new General Data Protection Regulation comes into force. This is not a new legislation, as it builds on the Data Protection Act 1998. Nevertheless, it represents an important challenge for volunteer groups, since there will be greater scrutiny of the way in which we manage personal information after this date. This means that volunteer groups like the ARGs have to take responsibility for the personal data we hold.

The advice note sets out:

The definition of personal data
The implications for small voluntary groups like the ARGS
A process for complying with the new GDPR
Information on what constitutes a data breach

4. Advice note 4 (revised) - Amphibian Disease Precautions, A Guide for UK Fieldworkers.pdf

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 18:35:26 +0000

Review of amphibian disease threats
General guidance on best practice when working with amphibians and their habitats
Guidance on specific activities - including fieldwork at sites known to be infected
Recommendations for training and other educational activities
Disinfection procedures
Investigating dead amphibians - working with the Garden Wildlife Health Project

7. ARG UK Advice note 7 - Attending public events.pdf

angela.julian@arguk.org (Angela Julian) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 11:56:29 +0000

Insurance and risk assessments
Location of your stand
Resources for your stand
Running the stand on the day
Fundraising, and collecting records and other information
Live Animal Exhibits and animal welfare considerations
Public health and biosecurity

6. Using the Media to Help Amphibians and Reptiles

(Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:23:19 +0000

Choosing what to publicise
Writing your press release
Getting your release out
Putting together a press release for your ARG
Example of a simple ARG press release
Dealing with negative publicity
Writing letters to newspapers and magazines

1. Engaging with the Planning System

(Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Some fundamentals of planning and biodiversity
How can your ARG get involved?
Planning policy and guidance
Species and general planning advice
Local guidance and research on species and planning
Biodiversity action planning

5. Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index

(Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:12:18 +0100

Use and limitations of the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) scoring method for determining pond suitability for great crested newts
How to collect data and calculate the HSI
Categorisation of HSI scores