Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is a UK wildlife charity dedicated to the conservation of frogs, toads, newts, snakes, lizards and the habitats on which they depend. Many of the UK’s 13 native amphibian and reptile species have experienced declines in range or abundance and are now conservation dependent. ARC works to achieve better outcomes for native amphibian and reptile populations. They manage 80 nature reserves, advise land managers, advocate for effective policy and legislation, raise awareness, and deliver education & training. In implementing the National Amphibian and Reptile Monitoring Programme, ARC has demonstrated its commitment to evidence-led conservation.
ARC’s headquarters is based in Dorset, a county that is nationally important for reptiles and amphibians and where all six native reptile species remain. Almost 90% of Dorset’s once extensive heathlands, an especially important habitat for reptiles, has been lost since the 18th century, with many remaining areas now in poor condition. Major ARC achievements include protecting key sites, reintroducing and recovering lost sand lizard and smooth snake populations and raising public awareness of the county’s natural heritage.
ARC is working to improve the effectiveness of its species monitoring work, the quality of the resulting outputs and its overall impact. The Elgol Fund for Nature grant has increased ARC’s capacity to deliver training and support, develop new, accessible resources and approaches and pilot them in Dorset, to a wider range of volunteer surveyors.
Building on previous work, such as the ‘Snakes in the Heather’ and the ‘Hop Spots development phase’ projects, ARC is working with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) providers to make conservation initiatives more accessible to the wider community.
All photos courtesy of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
