Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

We’ve published our response to the "Lost Frogs report".

Read our statement here: https://www.arc-trust.org/lost-frogs-report-comment-from-amphibian-and-reptile-conservation-trust

We’d like to send a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026 in Glasgow.
Your generosity and partnership help make this conference possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for your commitment to the herpetofauna community.

🌿 Conservation collaboration in action. After ARC UK identified key wildlife corridors in Jersey, the National Trust for Jersey’s Hedge Fund Project has planted 30 miles of hedgerows since 2019—helping 17 protected species move safely and reconnecting vital habitats.

🌤️ Only 3 days left to get your ticket for the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026! Join fellow herpworkers for talks, workshops & networking. Book before 15 Jan to secure your place: https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/herp-workers-meeting-2026
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⏳ Don’t miss out! Ticket sales for the HWM Conference close this week. Book now to ensure you’re part of this important conference. #HWM2026

⏳ Don’t miss out! Ticket sales for the HWM Conference close this week. Book now to ensure you’re part of this important conference. #HWM2026

Help us bring Hop Spots to life – our JustGiving page is live We’ve launched a JustGiving donation page to help raise vital funds for ARC’s education work, including our flagship Hop Spots project. At ARC, we work to connect people with the incredible amphibians and reptiles living on their doorstep. Through education, we aim to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire action to protect native species and their habitats.

🐸🦎 Help us bring Hop Spots! to life! Support ARC’s project inspiring kids to connect with nature, learn about native amphibians & reptiles, and take action for wildlife. Read all about it here: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/help-us-bring-hop-spots-to-life-our-justgiving-page-is-live

We’ve published our latest statement on reintroductions, assisted colonisation and the importance of evidence-led conservation.
You can read our latest statement here ⬇️
https://www.arc-trust.org/News/ensuring-amphibian-and-reptile-releases-contribute-to-natures-recovery

🎉🐍🦎🐸 Happy New Year! 🐸🦎🐍🎉
Our field team are back out, protecting and monitoring the UK’s native reptiles and amphibians. Thank you for supporting our work—here’s to another year of conservation! 💚

#UKWildlife #ReptileConservation #Amphibians #BackInTheField

Legislation and policy update December 2025 It has been a busy few weeks for legislation and policy affecting reptiles and amphibians. Here are the key points. The Government has now concluded the 7th Quinquennial Review of species protected under Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. JNCC had advised a range of changes to levels of protection for species, including an increase in protection for the adder. However, Government has now confirmed that it will not implement any of the changes in England. From a reptile and amphibian perspective, we are relieved that Government has not agreed with the calls for...

🐍 Legislation & policy update – December 2025

👉 Read our update here: https://www.arc-trust.org/legislation-and-policy-update-december-2025

Christmas scrub bash done right 🎄🐍 Our staff spent the day felling young pines at Great Ovens, Wareham (Dorset), keeping habitats open and sunny for snakes and lizards. Practical conservation to end the year 💚

🚨 We’re hiring!
Join ARC and help protect Britain’s amphibians & reptiles 🐸🦎

Species Monitoring Network Development Officer
📍 Bournemouth | 🕒 Part-time (3 days)
⏳ 11-month FTC | 💷 £28k p/a (pro rata)

Deadline: 9am, 12 Jan 2026
🔗 arc-trust.org/vacancies

Calling herp enthusiasts! 🐸🦎 Join the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026 in Glasgow (31 Jan–1 Feb) for talks, workshops, networking, a gala dinner & new Youth Symposium. Open to volunteers, students & professionals. 🌿
👉 Book your place now: https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/herp-workers-meeting-2026

In November 2025 Surrey Wildlife Trust joined forces with multiple partner organisations to clear Scots Pine from a privately owned heathy woodland site near... Working in Partnership to connect our heathlands

Sharing a video update from Surrey Wildlife Trust on the recent Wealden Heaths joint partner volunteer task!

📽️ Watch here: https://fb.watch/DBE4ICfhON/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/5sDOY5CNRNo?si=MAdRHOl3o7K3SZbN
#Conservation #Heathland #PartnershipWorking

Connecting Habitats and Protecting Sites - What the Latest Biodiversity Indicators Mean for Reptiles and Amphibians The UK Government has released updated Biodiversity Indicators, offering insights into how well our landscapes support wildlife and how protected areas are performing. Two indicators—Habitat Connectivity and Extent and Condition of Protected Areas—are particularly important for building resilient ecosystems.

🌿 The UK’s latest biodiversity indicators show the urgent need to boost habitat connectivity and improve protected areas. This is vital for reptiles and amphibians.
📄 Full details in our latest newsletter below:
https://www.arc-trust.org/News/connecting-habitats-and-biodiversity-indicators

🌿 ARC staff and volunteers joined the National Trust in Purbeck for a winter habitat management day, cutting back gorse to support local reptile and amphibian species. Great teamwork, careful conservation — and even some sunshine! ☀️📸 #ConservationInAction

Gardening with natural pest controllers – the power of amphibians Discover how frogs, toads, and newts can become your greatest allies in the garden.

“Gardening with Natural Pest Controllers – The Power of Amphibians”
An informative session on the role of native amphibians in natural pest management.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gardening-with-natural-pests-controllers-the-power-of-amphibians-tickets-1970359042938

Every penny counts - let’s make your generosity go even further 💚 at no extra cost to you!

Simply tick the box in the Gift Aid section when filling out a membership or donation form or email us to update your declaration at enquiries@arc-trust.org to update or add your Gift Aid declaration today!

Check out our latest advice for helping amphibians this Winter, and a complete guide to garden pond maintenance ❄️🎄

A Tale of Frogs and Ice: https://ow.ly/2aB450XzX7Y
Creating Garden Ponds for Wildlife: https://ow.ly/nqxV50XzX7Z

A HUGE thank you to everybody who attended and helped organise the Joint Scientific Meeting this Saturday! ✨🐸

We look forward to seeing you again for the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting at the start of the new year! 👀💚

Take a look at our Hibernation FAQ to learn why and how amphibians and reptiles hibernate, as well as tips and tricks for helping them 'chill out' from October to February🎄🐸

👉 https://www.arc-trust.org/hibernation-faqs

Ever wondered how the UK’s amphibians and reptiles keep themselves from freezing in this weather? ❄️🐸 Keep reading to discover some incredible adaptations that three of our native species have adapted to beat the harsh climate!

👉 https://www.arc-trust.org/News/herp-superpowers-winter

📢 TICKET SALES END 17:00 TOMORROW

Join ARC & The British Herpetological Society for a popular one-day conference covering a broad range of herpetology topics.

Learn more and book 👇
https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/arc-bhs-joint-scientific-meeting-2025

🚗 Donate your old car in support of us with Giveacar! 🐸
They will arrange a free collection from your home at a time that is convenient for you. Your car will then be auctioned or scrapped, and the proceeds will be donated to us. 🐍🚙
To find out more call 020 7736 4242 or visit www.giveacar.co.uk

Herp Workers Meeting 2026 - 31/01/2026 10:00:00 Join us for Herpetofauna Workers' Meeting 2026 on 31st January & 1 February 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow

📢📢 HERP WORKERS MEETING 2026 TICKETS NOW ON SALE!!

Join us for Herpetofauna Workers' Meeting 2026 on 31st January & 1 February 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow!

We look forward to seeing you in Glasgow!! 🐍🦎🐸

https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/herp-workers-meeting-2026

ARC Calls for Stronger Protections in Planning and Infrastructure Bill The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a key piece of Government legislation, nearing the conclusion of parliamentary debate before becoming law. This is a critical time for the Bill, which proposes significant adverse changes to current environmental policies and poses significant risks to our wildlife.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a key piece of Government legislation, nearing the conclusion of parliamentary debate before becoming law. 📜

For how you can help please click the link https://www.arc-trust.org/News/arc-calls-for-stronger-protections-in-planning-and-infrastructure-bill

📢 ONE WEEK LEFT TO GET YOUR TICKETS

Join ARC & The British Herpetological Society for a popular one-day conference covering a broad range of herpetology topics.

Learn more and book 👇
https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/arc-bhs-joint-scientific-meeting-2025

Our reptiles and amphibians are rare, beautiful and fascinating. Sadly, most are also vulnerable and in need of conservation 🦎🐍🐸

Leaving a legacy gift will enable us continue our work protecting amphibians and reptiles for generations to come.

Find out more at www.arc-trust.org/legacies

How to build a wildlife-friendly bonfire and other seasonal tips Autumn can be a tough time for amphibians and reptiles. What can we do to make it better?

Want to know how to build a wildlife-friendly bonfire and other seasonal tips? 🍂🐸
We’ve compiled a guide on how to best help your garden wildlife to get ready for the more difficult part of the year:
https://www.arc-trust.org/News/how-to-build-a-wildlife-friendly-bonfire-and-other-seasonal-tips

📢 Natur am Byth! are recruiting a Programme Manager.

This impactful role will drive species recovery and engagement in Wales, co-ordinating work at both a place-based and national level. 🦋🐍🦇

Apply by the 12th Nov 2025.

For more information please visit the Natural Resources Wales website.