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.

CRAG held their AGM on 18^th May. The details of which will be circulated to all members. In summary the committee remains exactly as it was. Membership fees have been increased to the staggering sum of £5.00pa. Providing an adult is a full member of CRAG, children under 16 do not have to pay a membership fee and can attend events / activities with a parent or an individual in loco parentis.

The need for ‘members’ to complete an application form was emphasised again as without this you are not a member and therefore not eligible to attend activities / events. So if you have not done so please do so now.

Cathy kindly organised an activity at the Penhale MOD site in north Cornwall. 18 members attended and all agreed it was an thoroughly enjoyable morning. Under Cathy’s guidance we found a number of slow worms and two grass snakes. Unfortunately, we did not encounter any adders. This was particularly frustrating as we were later informed by the botanical group who were following an hour or so behind us, that they had discovered an adder basking next to one of our tins!!

Having completed the reptile survey Cathy guided us to a shallow pool and aided by Kat and Nicola proceeded to demonstrate the art of pond dipping. Several palmate newts were caught along with palmate larvae and numerous aquatic creatures.

A discussion lead by the intrepid trio focussed on the need for bio-security when leaving sites to avoid contaminating other sites with invasive and non-native species.

The next event which is being organised by Paul Smith is eagerly awaited and will focus on reptiles and hopefully adders will feature this time.