The CRAG AGM 2017 took place at Cornwall College, Newquay on Monday 9th October.

Successes over the past year include a well-attended trip to Carn Moor, the setting of tins and monitoring at Tregantle (nr Saltash) and a surge in new members thanks to CRAG's attendance at various events including the Freshers Fair at Cornwall College, Newquay.

Nicola Morris and Steve Green chose to step down from their secretary positions due to pressure from other commitments. Jade Clayson has taken on general secretary duties, while Ruth Corbett will be the new Membership Secretary.

Helen gave us an update on her work with Sand Lizards and their habitat management.

We discussed the situation and requirements of sites we currently monitor and suggested new sites we could take on.

Full minutes available:

Minutes_of_CRAG_AGM_09.10.17.docx

Hi all, I am a researcher at the University of Exeter (Penryn Campus) investigating frog colouration and predator vision. I am looking for potential sites in Cornwall to conduct my research: anything from small garden ponds, to larger natural habitats that may be home to the common frog. If you are able to help, or would like to know more about my research please get in touch: ar430@exeter.ac.uk – thanks! Alice Rosen

The CRAG AGM 2016 took place at the Hawkins Arms, Zelah on Thursday 22nd September.

We discussed the success of recent events and plans for future events, and recent conservation activities by CRAG, SINNG and Cornwall College Newquay.

As Paul Diamond has stepped down as chair and Tamsin Lee has moved away, a new chair and secretary were appointed. This resulted in many of the committee members taking on different roles or new responsibilities. Our new chair is now Chris White and Nicola Morris is our new secretary, assisted by Steve Green.

We voted on whether CRAG should be affiliated with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. As most of the committee members felt that it was important for us to remain independent as a group, we declined to become affiliated.

Helen gave us an update on her work with Sand Lizards and their habitat management.

Full minutes available:

Minutes_of_CRAG_AGM_22.09.16.docx

Details of the next Herpetofauna Workers Meeting have recently been announced. Get your tickets before they're snapped up!

This is one of the biggest herp events in the UK and a great way to develop new skills, network and learn something new about our native herps.

The event will take place over two days, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th February 2016, at the Oxford Hotel in Oxford.

Visit the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust's website for more information: http://www.arc-trust.org/news/latest-news/HWM2016

CRAG held their 2015 AGM at the Hawkins Arms, Zelah on Wednesday 18th November. The minutes have been sent out to CRAG members and are available on the Facebook page. To summarize:

• No move was made to increase the membership fee which will remain at £5 per year.
• Proposals were made for new activities and opportunities to work with others. This included working more closely with universities, designing events for active members and appealling to all members, new and old, for suggestions on activities and projects which CRAG might be interested in getting involved with.
• The group will focus on one project per quarter. The first of these will be a Gullypot Mesh activity at the Eden Project led by Nicola Morris.
• Nicola will also be involved with other activities such as invloving students in practical conservation work and organising reptile surveys.
• As group recorder, Nicola is appealing to members to inform her of their reptile and amphibian sightings. Records can be submitted to her by clicking on the relevant tab at the top of this page.
• Laura Fox has agreed to keep the website updated with news and events.
• Stuart Edwards was elected as Reptile Champion. He has also volunteered to keep the Facebook page updated.
• Anna Moulin from Exeter University (Penryn campus) was elected to the commitee as a Student Liason Officer.