ARGL exists to promote the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Lancashire and Greater Manchester and we do this in a variety of ways. We’re always happy to work with other groups that share our general objectives, so if you’re part of another organisation and feel that we could work in partnership please get in touch.

There’s always lots more ARGL could do, but we achieve as much as we can with the resources available. If you’re able to help organise events please contact us.

Data searches

In 2010 ARGSL launched the Lancashire Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project (LARA).LARA holds over 5000 records covering Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.If you would like to request a data search for amphibian or reptile records in Lancashire, Greater Manchester or Merseyside, please follow this link and submit your data search request to LARA.

 ARGL was formerly known as ARGSL

This ARG was established in 2004 and known as ARGSL (The Amphibian and Reptile Group of South Lancashire) until 2017. The name change to ARGL was made to more accurately reflect the recording area of the group. Much of the publicity material produced by ARGSL is still relevant today, so we've included it in our downloads section. We haven't gone through an expensive re-branding exercise so you'll find many references to ARGSL remain throughout this website. 

Why become a member of ARGL?

ARGSL_membership_leaflet_2010.pdf

Becoming a member of ARGL is a great way to help us, and to develop your knowledge and skills too. The annual membership fee for ARGL is £6.00. Membership entitles people to:

• e-mail updates on ARGL's activities and achievements
• The opportunity to take part in ARGL activities, e.g. surveys and conservation tasks.
• ARG UK Insurance when involved in these activities.
• A reduced registration fee at the national ARG UK amphibian and reptile conference.

Even if you don’t join in with our activities, simply being a member demonstrates your support and this helps us to promote the case for amphibian and reptile conservation. Membership subscriptions are used carefully by the group and for essential expenses and to support practical conservation work.

To join ARGL please complete both forms below and e-mail them to us at argsl*btinternet.com.

ARGL_membership_form.doc

ARGL_Volunteer_Working_Agreement.doc

Please pay your £6 membership fee by BACS. Details are: 

Amphibian & Rptl Grp of S/Lancs T/A ARGSL
The Co-op Bank
Sort code: 089299
Account number 65172737

Under “payment reference” please enter your name so we know it’s your membership payment that’s been received.

ARG UK has produced a generic risk assessment and all volunteers are advised to read this carefully before taking part in activities:

ARG_UK_Generic_risk_assessment.xls

The group was known as ARGSL from 2004-2017, but the name change was made to more accurately reflect the recording area of the group. The group bank account retains the name of ARGSL. 

Whats in your pond?

To help us find out more about garden ponds as habitats for amphibians, please take part in the What's in Your Pond? project. If you don't have a pond of your own, why not take a look at a garden pond belonging to a friend or relative? All records will be incorporated into the Lancashire Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project.

Whats_in_your_pond.pdf

Lancashire amphibian and reptile atlas project

One of ARGL’s main objectives is to collect data on the distribution of amphibians and reptiles. Our main project is the Lancashire Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project (LARA). To find out more, please go to the project’s website: http://www.lara-project.org.uk/

Amphib__Reptile_guide_-_please_tell_us_what_youve_seen.pdf

Help with pond creation available to landowners

ARGSL_Advice__opportunities_for_landowners_1.pdf

The North West slow-worm hunt

NW_slow_worm_hunt.pdf

Find out more about what we have been doing to conserve amphibian and reptiles in Lancashire in our annual ARGL Reviews:

ARGL_Review_of_2025.pdf

ARGL_Review_of_2024.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2023.pdf

ARGL_Review_of_2022.pdf

ARGL_Review_of_2021.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2020.pdf

ARGL_Review_of_2019.pd

ARGL_Review_of_2018.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2017.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2016.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2015.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2014.pdf

ARGSL_Review_of_2013.pdf

ARGSL_Update_2012.pdf

ARGSL_Update_2011.pdf

ARGSL_Update_2010.pdf

The best way to contact ARGL is by e-mail to David Orchard (chair of ARGL)

We’ll do our best to respond to your enquiry as quickly as possible but please be patient as we’re all volunteers and our time is limited. Thankyou!

Committee members

ARGL is a voluntary group and is run by a committee of dedicated people. New members are always welcome!

Chair: Dr David Orchard
Treasurer: Lorna Bennett
Records Database Manager: Dr. Lee Brady