by Janet Ullman, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
janet.ullman@arc-trust.org
Saving Scotland’s Amphibians and Reptiles is a project of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC). We work with crofters to support their needs in establishing or maintaining populations of amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna) on their crofts, in line with legislation governing crofting, nature conservation funding and agricultural payments within Scotland.
The first in a series of workshops was held on 14 June, in Sleat, covering identification of Skye’s herpetofauna and the management of habitats on the croft to encourage them. The workshop involved discussions on species and the appreciation crofters have for these most useful of creatures, who are effective natural pest control. There was a lot of enthusiasm to do more to encourage a greater diversity and number of species on sites, with advice on wetland creation, pond maintenance, pond planting and the creation of refugia.
The crofters gave their overview of what they would want to see in terms of guidance from ARC for habitat creation and management for herpetofauna, such as a booklet covering the basics but pointing towards detailed advice sources, assistance for crofters on the website and joined-up delivery of advice from other nature conservation organisations, especially in terms of government funding applications for biodiversity enhancement projects.
ARC also have a Tadpole Pack, featuring Losgy the tadpole and especially designed for Nursery schools and Early years in Scotland. The Tadpole Pack aims for classes of Early years children to adopt a local pond as a place to learn about amphibians and water life. The pack explains the lifecycle of amphibians, the importance of preserving natural habitats and the actions children can take to protect these vital spaces. Very young people can feel involved in protecting their own local place and species with in it, which is important as they grow and learn more about their space, their place within it and how it matters to them and the wider world.