The CRT and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) are working in partnership to better understand what reptile species are already established on Green Farm, so we can determine how to protect them. CRT volunteers are taking part in a reptile survey training programme provided by ARC, so that they can help monitor the site.

Volunteers carried out two reptile surveys on the farm on 14 March, led by Howard Inns, ARC Trustee and Vice Chair, and Nick Dobbs, the CRT’s Friendship Development Manager and a licenced reptile surveyor volunteer for ARC.

Nick Dobbs said: “Over the years, local people and CRT Friends have reported seeing the occasional adder (Vipera berus) at Green Farm. These first surveys under license confirmed their presence, with eight male adders recently emerged from hibernation and two common lizards (Zootoca vivpara) recorded.  

“With every population regarded as precious, adder is a signature species and in serious decline in the UK. Featured in the BBC’s Wild Isles series, narrated by David Attenborough, it is probable that adder will soon be placed on Schedule 5 (Section 9) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, affording this species the same high level of protection as smooth snake and sand lizard.

On 14 March, volunteers also tackled invasive species including non-native rhododendron and prickly heath (Gaultheria mucronate). The latter is a pernicious ornamental evergreen from Southern Argentina, which will readily take over rare lowland heathland if it’s not kept in check.

Nick added: “Big thanks to Katy Froud, CRT Volunteer Manager, and Jack Harper, ARC Weald Field Officer and Volunteer Coordinator, for organising the day.”   

 

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We can’t do it without you. If you want to help us protect local wildlife you can support the CRT in any number of ways, from joining as a CRT Friend to volunteering on one of our farms and attending our events. You can also sign-up to our monthly newsletter 'CRT News' for regular updates from our farms, straight to your in-box.

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Read more about the wildlife and conservation initiatives on our farms here Wildlife Blog