Volunteers dug out the silted stream and removed fly tipped rubbish, allowing water to flow into the pond to improve habitat quality and preserve this valuable site. The pond is home to a variety of aquatic invertebrates and spawning amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts.  

This pond is of significant interest as it provides refuge to our native plants and animals such as water forget-me-not and amphibians. The Doorstep Green is also an invaluable educational and recreational space for local residents to enjoy.

In Britain we are losing many of our ponds due to pressures from urban development, pollution and agricultural drainage. These pressures can lead to reduced habitat quality, fragmentation of habitats and loss of the land entirely. 

Thanks again to the volunteers, it was great to see both new and familiar faces, we hope to see you soon on future trips!

Want to get involved? Contact us to find out how you can help the reptiles and amphibians of Cornwall and their habitats.

Thank you to everyone who showed up to the Joint CRAG/CWT outing to Penhale on Sunday 20th May 2018.

The weather was ideal for the visit. Our small group was treated to sights of no less than 22 slow worms, as well as a grass snake and a small toad.

Special thanks to Cornwall Wildlife Trust  ranger, Jon Cripps, who was also able to point out some of the rare flora and fauna that make this a very unique location.

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