2023, NARG (Nottinghamshire Amphibian & Reptile Group) aims to further the knowledge of frogs, toads, newts, lizards and snakes in Nottinghamshire.

The group actively supports the conservation of these often secretive and misunderstood creature, assisting and supporting its members with regards to training, field trips and surveys. With the main aim of the group is to generate amphibian and reptile records in order to support the conservation of these species within the county. We achieve this through various workshops, e.g. animal identification, setting up & running surveys throughout the year, as well as running various events and projects our members can join.

In Nottinghamshire we have four amphibians, the Common frog, Common toad, Smooth newt and Great crested newts along with 3 reptiles, the Grass snake, Slow Worm and Common lizard, all of which are harmless, if you do see one of these species please record your sightings on Record Pool (This can be found under the 'Record a sighting' tab).

Want to help? Have a look at the 'How you can help' tab at the top of the page to find out more. 

Full Event info is on our Facebook Group, link below (not the Facebook - Page)

NottsARG@hotmail.com

Nottinghamshire ARG (NARG) | Facebook Group

See previous newsletters here:

NARG_Newsletter_1_2024.pdf

Throughout the year the group runs various projects and events that members can join us. With amphibians and reptiles on the decline throughout the world, their conservation is even more vital than ever before listed below are few ways you can help Nottinghamshire's amphibians and reptiles, all of our events are open to anyone, no matter what level of experience you have, even if you have non!

Members - events published on social media 

• Setting up survey sites 

In order to gain an understanding into the distribution of our herps, we need to set new sites up as well as surveying already existing sites. Members are able to join on these to learn how we set sites up in order to monitor populations, sites where we find no amphibians and reptiles are just as important as those that have large populations and provides an insight into how we can manage areas for these species numbers to increase. 

• Training

Occasionally we offer evening ID and survey training where you will be taught by some of our enthusiastic committee members, these offer opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people! Throughout the year we also have in field training for both amphibians and reptiles, members can learn new ways of surveying, why we survey and how records are beneficial. 

• Reptile surveys

Reptile surveys are carried out regularly and are published on our survey members Whatsapp group, with all of our sites being sensitive we do not publicly publish their locations to prevent unnecessary disturbance. These usually take place early morning and consist of visual and refuge survey methods, they offer a chance to practice your ID skills and habitat recognition. 

• Amphibian surveys 

Amphibian surveys aren't carried out as regularly as our reptiles surveys, but we try and offer them as and when we can. Like our reptile sites, we do not publicly publish their locations to prevent unnecessary disturbance. Amphibian surveys are usually carried on sites that hold all four of our local amphibians, they are carried out late at night and members can learn ID skills, survey methods such as torchlight and egg searching as well as habitat recognition. 

• Habitat restoration 

After the survey season has finished, the year starts to become quiet, and although our amphibians and reptiles are resting, our members are not! Winter provides the perfect time to clear those areas that become inaccessible due to vegetation, many of our sites need clearing annually to keep the areas suitable for our species. These days consist of cutting down scrubland, creating log and scrub piles while allowing areas for reptiles to bask. 

Non-members 

• Toad patrols

As the weather gets warmer in February and March, our amphibians start to migrate to their local ponds. Often this means that they have to cross man made barriers like roads to breed, unfortunately this means there is often a high casualty rate. Volunteers head out during the evenings with a bucket, highvis and torch and save those amphibians from the roads, placing them next to their ponds, we have a few sites across Nottinghamshire, so please get in contact to find your local patrol.

• Event stalls

These events provide NARG to reach a wider audience and educate the public on the importance of amphibians and reptiles and how they can help. These events are usually free to attend and will be published on all social media as well as our website.

Non of these events require a certain time commitment, so even if you attend one event thats a great help to us! If you do wish to find out more about any of these events, please email us at NottsARG@hotmail.com.

How can we help you?

There maybe many ways you can help us, but we can also help you!

• Have you seen something but don't know what it is?

• Are toads crossing the road near you. And you want to help them?

• Do you want us to check a site where you think there may be amphibians or reptiles?

• Are you worried about snakes in your garden? (Don't be as they will be harmless Grass snakes or harmless Slow worms)

 Please contact via email if you wish to help us out or if we can help you any way. We may take a few days to respond as we are all volunteers!

Membership costs just £5.00 per year. Your membership will help NARG to protect the amphibians & reptile of Nottinghamshire. As a member you be able to take part in conservation events arround the county.

Option 1 : £5.00 GBP - yearly

You can help NARG achieve its goals by a simple donation towards our activities. Donations are put towards equipment used for habitat management, survey equipment and materials for public engagement eg fact sheets.

By becoming a member you will be insured for any activities and future benefits. If you wish to join or donate then you can pay through paypal using the buttons or we can accept cash or bank transfers. Contact nargtreasurer03@outlook.com with your details to pay by bank transfer.

If you have any enquiries about amphibians and reptiles in your local area, or Nottinghamshire in general, we would love to hear from you.

Please find ways of getting in contact below: 

For sightings, event details and members chat, please see our members only Facebook Group

Nottinghamshire ARG (NARG) | Facebook Group