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Would you like to become involved in reptile surveying?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for interested members of the public to get involved with reptile surveying in North East Wales. Local reptile expert Mick Brummage will be holding regular reptile surveys around the region starting in March 2013.

There are five species of reptile found in North East Wales – common lizard, sand lizard, grass snake, adder and slow-worm. It is important that we understand where these species are found so that populations can be adequately protected.

That’s where you come in! The more people actively looking for reptiles and recording their sightings, the more we can learn about these fascinating creatures. By accompanying Mick on regular survey visits you will gain the knowledge and experience to conduct your own reptile surveys and be confident in finding and identifying the various species.

There will be two surveys each month, on the second Tuesday and fourth Sunday. Reptile surveying is very weather-dependent and dates and times may change at short-notice, so it is essential that you email Mick in advance if you intend to come along to a survey. The first two months’ surveys are as follows:

• Tuesday 12 March: Llandegla Forest. A search for newly emerged adders.
• Sunday 24 March: Gors Maen Llwyd Nature Reserve. A search for newly emerged adders.
• Tuesday 9 April: Moel Famau Country Park. A search for elusive and under-recorded adders.
• Sunday 28 April: Rhydymwyn Valley Nature Reserve. Monitoring the grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard populations.

According to Denbighshire Countryside Service’s Biodiversity Officer, Lizzy Webster, “reptiles are generally poorly recorded in the region, so it would be fantastic if we can encourage more people to become involved in reptile surveying. This is a great opportunity for people to learn the required skills from an expert”.

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For more information please get in touch:

Mick Brummage, County Reptile Recorder: mick.brummage@tiscali.co.uk

Lizzy Webster, Biodiversity Officer: elizabeth.webster@denbighshire.gov.uk / 01824 708263.

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