Aim

The aim of this group is to understand and protect the amphibians and reptiles of the Wirral peninsular through organizing training, raising awareness, surveys, habitat management tasks and other conservation activities.

Background

The Wirral Peninsular has historically been habitat of Sand Lizard, Natterjack, Great Crested Newt, Common Frog, Common Toad, Smooth Newt, Palmate Newt, Common Lizard, Slow Worm and Grass Snake. However, developments in the 20th Century has seen species such as the Sand Lizard and Natterjack disappear. Status of other herps have been uncertain, the problem being linked to lack of surveys and recording.

In 2018, preliminary surveys around Wallasey revealed many new and surprising records for amphibians and reptiles. This was part of the Cheshire & Wirral ARG. However, the size of this district with that county was too large, necessitating the formation of a new ARG for Wirral (WiARG) so more surveys and recording can be coordinated across this interesting peninsular.

Founding member and current Chair of WiARG, Tom Doherty-Bone, grew up on the Wirral and was frustrated by the lost herpetofauna species and limited opportunities to view the remaining herps in the area. Formation of this new ARG will create the opportunity for local residents in the Wirral to get involved with amphibian and reptile surveys and recording for both enjoyment of these wonderful animals and to aid in their conservation on the Wirral.

Activities

Since its formation in 2019, WiARG has undertaken numerous surveys and practical conservation tasks across the Wirral. Some of the highlights have been mapping out the extent of Common Lizard in Harrison Park, Wallasey, as well as lizards and amphibians across the North Wirral Coastal Park. Updating the known status of amphibians (including Great Crested Newt) at Royden Park and more recently measuring the use of the tidal zone of amphibians in the north west Wirral coast. 

An outline itinerary for 2026-27 can be found under the 'Upcoming surveys' tab, suggestions from members are welcomed.

Existing partnerships include the Wirral Ranger Service, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the Friends of the North Wirral Coastal Park and Wirral Wildlife. 

Committee

The present committee consists of: Thomas Doherty-Bone (chair); Kate Renshaw (secretary); Jon Bielby (vice chair); Charles Mulryan (general committee); Paul Parnell .(general committee); Reg Webster (general committee); Sue Noyce (general committee).

Membership

The annual membership fee is £5 (£2.50 for under 17s when accompanied by a guardian), which goes toward conservation activities of the group, such as buying equipment. Payment can either be made in cash at one of our events, or through Paypal: https://paypal.me/WiARG?locale.x=en_GB  

Membership cycle runs from April to April.

 Please get in contact if you wish to get involved. 

Chair - Thomas Doherty-Bone

Vice Chair - Jonathan Bielby

Secretary - Kate Renshaw

General Committee - Paul Parnell, Reg Webster, Charles Mulryan, Sue Noyce

For 2026, we will be undertaking the monitoring of the Natterjack Toad breeding season at the Red Rocks Nature Reserve with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Volunteers are being trained and scheduled to undertake surveys to track the progress of the breeding.

We have already undertaken a successful amphibian survey at Prenton Dell in March. There are also the regular patch walkovers by our members, including reptile surveys at Harrison Park Wallasey.

Other activities planned:

3rd May - stall at the open day of New Ferry Butterfly Park

23rd May - outreach event at Central Park Wallasey

17th June- all day Prenton Dell community outreach

1st July-morning only Prenton Dell community outreach

TBD-4 more dates Prenton Dell community outreach

TBD - Amphibian survey Royden Park

TBD - Amphibian survey Eastham Country Park

Amphibian surveys consist of setting traps and torching ponds in the evening, then returning early the next morning to empty the traps and record what's there. As with all surveys, appropriate clothing, water-proof shoes/boots and torches will be useful. 

Please use the "check-clean-dry" technique with your outdoor gear for biosecurity. Likewise, if you keep amphibians and reptiles at home, probably use separate clothes if you have been handling or servicing them to save spreading exotic pathogens around. 

Let us know if you are planning to attend.