CRAG are hosting a series of monthly talks via Zoom. You can book your free space via Eventbrite to watch live, or catch up with past talks on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcm-H3NyOaQAcqSVfidsL4A

CRAG members receive email updates when a new talk is coming up. You can also check our Events tab, or CRAG's Eventbrite group here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cornwall-reptile-and-amphibian-group-crag-32323047513

Thank you to everyone who entered such beautiful photos into the CRAG photography competition 2020. You may have seen the winners images already. All winners received a year's free membership to CRAG. Winners of the adult class also received a copy of Howard Inns Britain's Reptiles and Amphibians and our children's class winner received ARG UK's Adders are Amazing Activity Pack along with the complete collection of the Frog and Toad books. Our judging panel had a difficult task choosing the winners and it was very close. We look forward to launching the 2021 competition in the coming months.

Huge congratulations to our winners: -

Jasper Wicks - Winner of the children's class

Laura Snell - Winner of the over 18's class

Ellie Smart - Runner up in the over 18's class

Well done to everyone who entered. Keep an eye out for your photos on our social media pages over the coming months.

We are very excited to announce our very first photography competition!

No matter what your age or photography experience, we want to see your photographs of Cornwall's amazing reptiles and amphibians! We even have prizes for the best shots!

If interested make sure to check the rules of the competition on the poster. The competition is open till the 1st November, so you have plenty of time to get that shot!

Happy herping!

Click here for rules of the competition

Earlier this year, CRAG invested in a set of nets, trays and other pond dipping equipment for amphibian surveys and educational activities. CRAG members have already used the kit extensively at various events, including regular community pond dips at Treloggan, Newquay, led by Teri Nicholls.

Meanwhile, Mark and Tricia Nicholson have been leading a project at Goonhavern School, which their granddaughter attends, to restore the school’s disappearing pond and bring it back into use. Pond dipping sessions using the CRAG kit have been invaluable in generating staff and pupil enthusiasm, awareness and involvement.

The pond was choked by reeds, smothered by the invasive non-native Crassula weed and half-covered by brambles, leaving hardly any water. Gradual clearance of this vegetation has brought the pond back to life, with each dipping day revealing a greater abundance and diversity of creatures.

Dealing with Crassula will be an ongoing issue, as this species grows on both water and land and is very difficult to control. It can recolonise a pond – or colonise another pond if transferred – from a small leaf fragment. All weed removed from the pond is being composted on-site in black plastic bags. If totally deprived of sunlight, it should die after several months.

To avoid the spread of invasive plants and diseases from one pond to another, the kit is thoroughly checked for plant fragments, cleaned and dried between events and outings.