SARG NEWS - 03 March 2010

SARG NEWS - 03 March 2010

Toad Crossings

Every spring, thousands of toads migrate from hibernation sites to breeding ponds across Surrey. In many areas this journey, sometimes over a kilometre, will involve crossing roads. SARG coordinates the 34 approved toad crossing sites in Surrey, helping to get these charismatic amphibians across our roads and safely into their ponds. This year, we expect the main migration to happen in the middle of March. If you would like to know more about Toad crossings, and how you could help, please take a look at our Toads on Roads webpage.

http://www.surrey-arg.org.uk/SARG/02000-Activities/ToadCrossings/SARG2toadCrossings.shtml

NARRS Training

Each year, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (formerly the Herpetological Conservation Trust HCT and Froglife) organise the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS). This scheme relies upon members of the public to survey a 1km grid square close to their home. SARG trains these volunteers to find and record the animals. If you would like to become involved, please visit the NARRS website.

http://www.narrs.org.uk/

Adder Emergence

As the first spring-like days are upon us, now is the time for adders to emerge from hibernation (The first Surrey adder was reported on Tuesday 2nd March). The snakes won't travel far from their winter hibernation sites just yet, and it is possible to see several males basking together. If you see a group of adders in March, please let us know, as this is very likely to be an important hibernation site. We need to protect these sites from development, as adder hibernacula are vital for the species' survival, and can be used by many generations of the animals. Please let our reptiles officer know of any sightings:

Reptiles@surrey-arg.org.uk