|
For all those of you who are into British wildlife, here's a chance to get active & involved with a project to build up our knowledge of adders.
Introducting the Add an Adder Project
Add an Adder is a project being run by Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (ARC). They are looking to collect information about adders across Britiain, and to build up a picture of where adders are today and where they have been in the past, so that they can build up a history of the adder. They're after observations & anecdotes which will help them build up such a picture - memories in the minds of the British public of adders they've seen. They are particularly interested in observations & memories over 50 years old, although any such recaps would be useful if younger than that.
ARC are asking people across Britain to tell them where you've seen adders or where other people have told you of sightings. So if you know of anyone who's seen an adder today or recently or in the distant past, please point them in the direction of the Add an Adder project. Even if Adders have now disappeared from a location, they are still of interest to ARC.
|
Don't get too close to adders!
ARC point out that if you see adders in the wild, remember not to approach them too closely for your own sake, and that of the adder. They remind us that adders are venomous, and a bite can be very unpleasant (even fatal) and will demand immediate medical attention. Adders are protected by law and prone to disturbance, so you need to keep a sensible distance between you & them.
Get involved with adders in your area
ARC has a number of ways to help adders here and if you're interested in volunteering for the amphibians & reptiles of Britain, then you can find your local ARC group here
Who are ARC?
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation is a national charity, registered 1130188. It is committed to conserving amphibians & reptiles and saving the disappearing habitats on which they depend. Their vision sees these animals thriving in their natural habitat and a society committed to their conseration.
|
Reptile Experiences...
Face your Phobia
If you want to tackle your phobia of the creepy crawley & slithery, you could go on a Face Your Phobia experience. Virgin Experience Days offer a Face Your Phobia experience in Hertfordshire, as does Buy a Gift
Get up close with a Reptile Experience
Alternatively, click here for info on a reptile experience in East Sussex - Snuggle up to a Snake. You could also Shadow a Reptile Keeper in Hertfordshire
Reptile conservation on a volunteer holiday
Head off to South Africa to help snakes & crocodiles on a volunteer holiday.
|
So what does ARC do?
- It leads action plans to help reverse declines in reptiles & amphibians, playing a key role to save important habitats like wetlands & heathlands
- It understands the threats these species face - roads, disease, pollution, loss of habitat, climate change, for instance - and its scientists look for solutions to these threats & identifies the priorites
- It protects wild places, managing over 80 reserves in Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Cumbria and Norfolk.
- Its staff provide targeted advice & training for farmers & land owners, managers & consultants, as well as giving advice to the public through its wildlife information service. And it works closely with children, teachers & community groups to ensure that young people can get involved in action for amphibians & reptiles.
- In the UK, Overseas Territories and Europe, it works to ensure that new legislation & policy decisions fit the needs of wildlife, especially amphibians & reptiles. It seeks to voice the needs of these creatures, working to influence policies surrounding agriculture, habitat conservation, wise water-use & planning
- It encourages the public to conserve reptiles & amphibians - why not become an ARC Friend and help ARC give a voice to frogs, newts, toats, snakes & lizards, for just £15 a year
|
