Article written by T. Nicholls

Reading time: minute and a half.

In 2019, Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group was able to invest into a pond dipping kit with the money raised through membership fees and donations, allowing the group to provide outreach workshops to the public, schools and community groups in Cornwall.

Since its purchase the kit has been a fantastic tool in helping to engage the public with our native amphibian species and raising awareness of the importance of local ponds as aquatic ecosystems. The pond dipping events have also provided the space and opportunity to engage with wider conversations on climate change, pollution and habitat decline.

In addition to this outreach work the pond dipping kit is also helping to collect valuable data, which is then uploaded onto Record Pool, a website that collects data on herpetofauna in the UK, and ERCCIS (Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly). Contributing towards larger data sets locally and internationally for science and conservation.

Although much of these activities ceased during the Covid pandemic in 2020 to 2021, as restrictions begun to ease, the kit was soon back out of storage and is currently being used by local Duke Of Edinburgh students volunteering their Wednesday afternoons helping to manage their local green and blue spaces.

So, if any CRAG members or volunteers would like to organise an event and use the pond dipping equipment please feel free to contact the Chair to organise collection of the kit. Just remember to follow the present Covid government guidelines and biosecurity procedures (check-clean-dry) to stop the spread of invasive aquatic species.

We spoke with Patricia Turner about her winning shot!

How did you hear about the CRAG photography competition 2021?

I heard about the competition when I posted my adder picture on Facebook and a friend of mine who is into herpetology told me I should let CRAG know about the record.  I was told about the photo competition after reporting the sighting.  

What interests you about our native reptiles and amphibians?

I am from Texas and North Carolina, and just moved to England last year.  I have a MS degree in Entomology,  but I've always been fascinated by reptiles as well,  and gained a very healthy respect for them after being bitten by a baby copperhead a few years ago.  When I moved here,  I was very much wanting to see an adder, as I really love their patterns and red eyes.  There aren't nearly as many reptiles and amphibians here as there were in the US, so every sighting is super special.  

What were your thoughts when taking your photo?

When my husband spotted the adder on the rocks in a harbour in Cornwall,  I couldn't believe it. What a strange place to see an adder - but I was shaking with excitement while getting a good picture. I've always been into photography,  and what a great opportunity to take a picture of such a beautiful baby snake! 

How do you feel about winning? 

It is fantastic to win in this competition, and it is my wish that everyone understands how special these animals are, and can help conserve them, or at least do no harm.  Thank you very much! 

Patricia

Hey folks!

We thought that the winners of the Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian photography competition of 2021 should have their individual post. 

We spoke with Laura (@laulovesnature ) about her winning shot!

How did you hear about the CRAG photography competition 2021?

I heard about the CRAG photography competition on Instagram as I follow the group 🙂

What interests you about our native reptiles and amphibians?

I grew up in Cornwall and have always been fascinated by nature. I remember looking for amphibians and reptiles as a child, searching under stones and logs in the hope of finding frogs, toads or slow worms!  I've worked in the field of ecology for the past 16 years and have carried out numerous reptile surveys through my job. I'm always on the lookout, even more so since I developed a keen interest in macro photography during lockdown and discovered a population of Common Lizards in the Cornish hedges close to home. I spend a lot of time wandering up and down trying to spot them hidden amongst the vegetation! 

What were your thoughts when taking your photo?

This picture is one of the Common Lizards that lives in the hedges close to home. When taking the picture, my main thought was trying not to scare it off! 

How do you feel about  winning?

I'm really delighted to have won the adult category. So often you only get a fleeting glimpse of Common Lizards so it's lovely to showcase this wonderful creature.

Photo credit- Laura Snell (IG:laulovesnature)

Have you taken photos of native reptiles and amphibians? Why not enter the CRAG photo competition? Prizes will be awarded to the best!

Categories

1. Children (aged 11 years and under)
2. Young adult (aged 12-17 years)
3. Adult (aged 18 and over)

Rules

1. Photographs to have been taken within the last 2 years and not entered into any other competitions.
2. All entries will be used by CRAG for social media, website, and publicity materials.
3. No handling! We want to see our reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats.
4. No location information! We aim to protect animals from disturbance.
5. Entries will only be accepted via email as attachments to nicola.morris@arguk.org Please state which category you are entering.
6. Closing date November 1st. Any entries after this date will not be included in the judging process.

CRAG are hosting a series of monthly talks via Zoom. You can book your free space via Eventbrite to watch live, or catch up with past talks on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcm-H3NyOaQAcqSVfidsL4A

CRAG members receive email updates when a new talk is coming up. You can also check our Events tab, or CRAG's Eventbrite group here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cornwall-reptile-and-amphibian-group-crag-32323047513