CRAG - Cornwall Reptile & Amphibian Group
CRAG aims to increase awareness and action on behalf of Cornwall's reptiles (snakes and lizards) and amphibians (frogs, toads and newts)
Its activities include
The group is open to anyone who would like to be involved with amphibian and reptile conservation in Cornwall.
A small annual subscription of £5.00 is payable by all Members, except students who can currently become a member for £1. New members are welcome to apply to join at any time. Click the Membership tab for full details.
CRAG is affiliated to the Amphibian & Reptile Groups of UK.
Please record all sightings of reptiles and amphibians seen in and around Cornwall and that includes non-natives such as terrapins.
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.
If you missed our first online CRAG evening talk it is now available on CRAG's new YouTube channel. Dr Steve Green, CRAG Scientific Officer, gave an excellent talk on the research he and the students at Cornwall College Newquay have been doing at one of our sites. Their work is helping to inform reptile management and also advise the developers of a new cycle path. A great example of the enormous value of your volunteering in Cornwall.
Follow the link to the video. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcm-H3NyOaQAcqSVfidsL4A
Our next talk is next Thursday 25th February. Join us as our Secretary Alice Pawlik delves into the fascinating world of amphibians. Her PhD research looks at whether antimicrobial pollutants alter amphibian disease susceptibility. Find out how you can get involved.
Follow this link to register for the talk https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cornwall-reptile-amphibian-group-the-south-west-frog-swab-tickets-138859595789?ref=estw
You can join CRAG to receive email updates when a new talk is coming up, or check our Events page or Eventbrite.
Thank you to everyone who entered such beautiful photos into the CRAG photography competition 2020. You may have seen the winners images already. All winners received a year's free membership to CRAG. Winners of the adult class also received a copy of Howard Inns Britain's Reptiles and Amphibians and our children's class winner received ARG UK's Adders are Amazing Activity Pack along with the complete collection of the Frog and Toad books. Our judging panel had a difficult task choosing the winners and it was very close. We look forward to launching the 2021 competition in the coming months.
Huge congratulations to our winners: -
Jasper Wicks - Winner of the children's class
Laura Snell - Winner of the over 18's class
Ellie Smart - Runner up in the over 18's class
Well done to everyone who entered. Keep an eye out for your photos on our social media pages over the coming months.
We are very excited to announce our very first photography competition!
No matter what your age or photography experience, we want to see your photographs of Cornwall's amazing reptiles and amphibians! We even have prizes for the best shots!
If interested make sure to check the rules of the competition on the poster. The competition is open till the 1st November, so you have plenty of time to get that shot!
Happy herping!
In light of the coronavirus outbreak all group surveys and meetings will be postponed until further notice. This is in line with Government advice and that issued by ARG UK. Please follow the link below to read our latest advice: Thank you to those who kindly offered to lead survey trips over the coming weeks. Whilst we all want to head out and enjoy the season we can't put anyone at risk and the health and safety of our members is paramount. Providing members follow current advice on coronavirus and our lone working procedures Site Champions can continue to monitor local sites but all group work is suspended.Wishing you good health and I look forward to seeing you as soon as we are able to meet for a survey. |
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Earlier this year, CRAG invested in a set of nets, trays and other pond dipping equipment for amphibian surveys and educational activities. CRAG members have already used the kit extensively at various events, including regular community pond dips at Treloggan, Newquay, led by Teri Nicholls.
Meanwhile, Mark and Tricia Nicholson have been leading a project at Goonhavern School, which their granddaughter attends, to restore the school’s disappearing pond and bring it back into use. Pond dipping sessions using the CRAG kit have been invaluable in generating staff and pupil enthusiasm, awareness and involvement.
The pond was choked by reeds, smothered by the invasive non-native Crassula weed and half-covered by brambles, leaving hardly any water. Gradual clearance of this vegetation has brought the pond back to life, with each dipping day revealing a greater abundance and diversity of creatures.
Dealing with Crassula will be an ongoing issue, as this species grows on both water and land and is very difficult to control. It can recolonise a pond – or colonise another pond if transferred – from a small leaf fragment. All weed removed from the pond is being composted on-site in black plastic bags. If totally deprived of sunlight, it should die after several months.
To avoid the spread of invasive plants and diseases from one pond to another, the kit is thoroughly checked for plant fragments, cleaned and dried between events and outings.
This trip takes CRAG to Breney Common, a site of special scientific interest. The aim of the trip is to monitor pre-existing artificial reptile tins as well as conduct amphibian surveys. Please bring suitable footwear. The event begins at 10am and shall be finished at 12pm. Please meet at Breney Common, Lanlivery, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30. This is a members only trip, membership will be available on the day at £5 and is free to students!
The grid reference for the car park at Gunwen Methodist Chapel is SX 05271 61249. The nature reserve is accessed by walking from the car park. Turn left whilst facing the chapel and walk approx. 200 yards. The footpath to the reserve is on the left.
Look out for CRAG at this year's Tremough BioBlitz at Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ. The campus is just off the Treliever roundabout on A39, then follow the signs to the BioBlitz. Free car parking will be available. The BioBlitz will be going on all day, from 6am to 9pm, though the main event will be from 10am to 5pm.
Looking for a fun way to spend the day? Want to learn more about our wonderful Cornish wildlife? This FREE event is open to all ages and is brilliant for families who are looking for entertainment with an educational focus! Activities will include nature walks, small mammal trapping, treasure hunts, moth trapping and many more. Enjoy a raffle with amazing prizes, make your own wildlife with our arts and craft stalls, get your face painted and have a jump on the bouncy castle! Wildlife and charity organisations from all over Cornwall will be joining us with loads of exciting stalls, activities and opportunities for you to get involved in. Food and drink will be available to buy from a range of local suppliers, and in the shops on campus. This is the fifth annual BioBlitz and following the success of the previous events, this year’s is set to be spectacular! BioBlitz is being funded by the University of Exeter and EcoSoc (one of the university’s student led societies). To sign up for early morning or late evening events such as bird ringing and bat walks, please email bioblitz.penryn@gmail.com in advance to register. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult, parent or guardian to attend these events. Join the event on Facebook: ‘BioBlitz Tremough 2016’
The next trip will take us to an extensively monitored site on the North Coast of Cornwall. We will be replacing some of the artificial refugia that has deteriorated over the years. Whilst it may be too hot to find a great deal we are still in with a chance of spotting slow worms, common lizards, grass snakes and adders as well as contributing to future surveys and boosting the record pool!
The trip will take place between 9am-11am Saturday 25th of June. We shall be meeting at Goonhavern Garden Centre, Newquay Rd, Truro, TR4 9QQ at approximately 8:45am before heading off to the site. As the location is small we have restricted the numbers on this event to 10 people. If you would like to attend please email Stuart (event leader) directly atstuart.edwards24@btinternet.com.
The National Trust are holding a 24 hour BioBlitz at Lundy Bay near Polzeath to record as much as they can in 24 hours, and CRAG will be helping out.
Become a wildlife detective by seeking out plants and animals whilst discovering facts about them from the wildlife experts. Whether for an hour or 24, the choice is yours, get invloved with as much or as little as you like, but come along and discover the wildlife on your doorstep.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/f5a4ad26-9367-44b3-82dd-efe5efc295c1/pages/details
Any questions, contact northcornwall@nationaltrust.org.uk or 01208 863821.
The CRAG AGM will take place on the 22nd Sept at The Hawkins Arms, Zelah from 6:45pm.
This is your chance to get involved in taking the group forward. Please find below the agenda of the meeting.
1. Apologies
2. Matters arising from the previous meeting
3. Chairman and Treasurer’s Report
4. Election of Officers and Committee Members
5. Review of membership fees
6. Consider the direction of our relationship with Cornwall Wildlife Trust
7. An update on changes etc to the sand lizards’ site, and suggestions as to what we can do to help
8. Consider our ability to monitor existing sites, and also the merits of taking on new challenges, eg Tregantle
9. Dates of meetings for the next year
10. Any other business
Amphibian and Reptile Groups of UK (ARG UK) and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) are proud to be able to announce the first national adder meeting. Tickets are available from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-vanishing-viper-priorities-for-adder-conservation-tickets-26151082592?aff=efbnreg.
The meeting will address all aspects of adder conservation including:
If you're interested in going please contact our treasurer Chris White (chrishtw@hotmail.com) as there may be a possibility of car sharing.
2.00 to 4.00 pm (or stay longer if you like)
We will meet up again with the Warden, Dougy Wright, who says it's been a good year for adders. He will show us the best spots.
We are likely to go ahead regardless of the weather. There is a lot to interest us at this site, so come and see. We might also be putting down tins for future reptile surveys.
Directions:
Windmill Farm is 1 mile north of Lizard village. Take the A3083 (Helston to Lizard) towards Lizard village and turn right at the ‘Wild Camping’ sign (not far after you pass Action Paintball). You will know you are on the right lane as you will be able to see the old windmill directly ahead of you. Follow the lane till you reach the windmill. Park in the open area at the end of the lane.
SW 694 153
AGENDA FOR THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON 29th NOVEMBER, 2016
At the Hawkins Arms, Zelah, at 6:45 pm
Chair
Welcome and Introductions
Are there any matters arising from our AGM, which was held on 22nd September, 2016? A summary of events since that date.
Secretary
An update from Nicola/Stephen.
Treasurer
An update from Mark on the current state of our finances.
1. Lizards – at the AGM we agreed that we would use this opportunity to discuss any maintenance required at the site before the new season commences. Who will be available to become involved, and what level of supervision is required?
2. In the past we have had no active part in Toads on Roads, and other similar exercises. Should we be seen to do so, and if so how should we go about getting involved?
3. It has been previously suggested that we should integrate with CWT’s Fox Club in terms of giving school talks, which would avoid the need to obtain a ‘displaying animals licence’ from Cornwall Council. Do we have the resources to carry this out?
4. Since our last meeting, we have visited Windmill Farm on the Lizard, although the weather was far from kind. Children attended this outing, which is recommended by ARG, do the group agree and if so do we need a junior membership to keep all participants insured?
5. A date has already been set in March to revisit Windmill Farm in the hope of viewing adders that have recently emerged from hibernation. Has anybody come up with ideas for further events?
6. Any other business.
AGENDA FOR THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON 29th NOVEMBER, 2016
At the Hawkins Arms, Zelah, at 6:45 pm
Chair
Welcome and Introductions
Are there any matters arising from our AGM, which was held on 22nd September, 2016? A summary of events since that date.
Secretary
An update from Nicola/Stephen.
Treasurer
An update from Mark on the current state of our finances.
Sunday 26 February (11:00 – 13:00)
The purpose of this trip will be to check the existing tins and the new tins that will be placed by SG and Cornwall College students on 11 January.
If you would like to join us, please let Nicola Morris know you are coming so we have an idea of numbers.
For general enquiries please contact:
Chair - Nicola Morris - nicola.morris@arguk.org
For question relating to the ecology of amphibians and reptiles in Cornwall please contact our Scientific Officer (see details below).
CRAG is always looking for new volunteers to help with habitat management and species monitoring. If you would like to get involved, please contact our Chair.
Secretary - Katy Nicholls - katycragsecretary@gmail.com
Scientific Officer - Stephen Green - stephen.green@cornwall.ac.uk
Treasurer - Mark Nicholson
Web Officer - Laura Fox
Social Media Officer - Becky Turner
Upcoming events will be listed here.
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