Hampshire is fortunate that the county covers a huge geographic area and a very diverse breadth of habitat including: the Isle of Wight, the New Forest National Park, the South Downs National Park, as well as many other unspoiled areas, including Woolmer Forest. It is therefore unsurprising that we are host to 12 out of the 13 native amphibians and reptiles in UK, including rarities such as the Natterjack Toad, Sand Lizard and Smooth Snake, and wherever you live in the county there will be opportunities to survey and monitor an assemblage of amphibian and reptile species.
HIWARG formed in the Autumn of 2018 and is an affiliated independent ARG-UK group. The group focus is conservation of native UK species essentially around habitat management, surveying, public engagement, volunteer training & doing as much as possible to understand & protect the native species in the county. All members are volunteers with a common interest.
If you have some spare time and would like to be involved with HIWARG, maybe you have taken a photo of a reptile or amphibian and would like it identified or maybe you have some other query, then please do get in contact info@hiwarg.org.uk
We have a Toad Crossing in this area at which activity levels are increasing. There is an existing small Toad Patrol active but in need of additional assistance. Calling on HIWARG members interested in taking part to contact me for further details. Please ensure you have completed your Volunteer Workers Agreement for insurance purposes. info@hiwarg.org.uk
First Hampshire spawn of 2019 found
Posted on Friday 18th January, 2019
First frog spawn of 2019 found in the New Forest 17 Jan 2019 at exactly the same spot as the first spawn of 2018 (one day later this year). Find & photo by Paul Edgar.
Please be sure to log any spawn sightings. Every record matters.
New Forest habitat management event - 15 Jan
Posted on Tuesday 15th January, 2019
Photo's from the day uploaded onto our Facebook group.
Toad Patrol assistance required. New Forest area.
Posted on Sunday 13th January, 2019
Please see "Gorley Rd Toad patrol" under events.
Volunteer activities preparation -
Posted on Wednesday 9th January, 2019
We have a number of volunteer activities due to start in the coming month and I'll be providing details soon on the Facebook Group, but we have noticed that many members have not yet completed their online Volunteer Agreement, nor set up their volunteer preferences. Without this we don't know who to alert to the various oportunities. If you are a subscribed member, please be sure to log into the Member Portal & complete your Volunteer Preferences & your Volunteer Agreement by clicking on the "My HIWARG Account" icon. This is also important to ensure you are covered under the ARG-UK umbrella when taking part in HIWARG activities.
OR Membership costs just £6.00 per year as a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Your membership will help HIWARG to protect the amphibians & reptile of Hampshire. Be aware of and take part in conservation opportunities, surveys and many other activities across the county.
Click here to go directly to PayPal to subscribe as a member: