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 - that includes non-natives such as terrapins. The easiest way to do this is to click on the 'Record a sighting' tab above and fill out the form. Although we love watching these animals from a safe distance, sadly not everyone appreciates them so please remember never to share exact locations on social media.
Email your entries to argcornwall@gmail.com
On 2nd March 2024, ten CRAG members gathered for a Reptile Survey Training Day in North Cornwall. Led by Helen Fearnley, the event began with an indoor presentation on the UK reptile species, their identification and their natural history. This led on to practical advice on how to find and record them in the field.
The methodology was based on protocols used by the ARC Trust for its National Reptile Survey. Please see the following link for details of that: https://reptile-survey.arc-trust.org/
An afternoon visit to a sand dune site reinforced the survey methods, although cold and windy conditions meant that no reptiles appeared on the day.
Thanks to Helen for organising and leading the training. Also to Andy Nelson of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, who provided sponsorship for the event on behalf of the Making Space for Sand project.
18+ Category
We are very happy to announce the '18 or older' category winner of our annual photography competition!
This image was captured by Roger Fleet.
Judges enjoyed this image as the toad is sharp in contrast with the soft background, allowing the details of the toads skin to be captured!
Roger has some prizes on the way, including a book which was kindly donates by NHBS. Check them out as they have a wide range of books and wildlife products, perfect for a gift to yourself or someone special!
18+ runner up
We are very happy to announce the runner-up to the '18 or older' category winner of our annual photography competition! Unfortunately no one entered the '12-17 category' so we didn't want a prize to go to waste!
This image was captured by George Turner.
Judges enjoyed this image as the slow worm was sharp in contrast to the background, and captured the sunlight that every reptile is looking for.
George has some prizes on the way, including a book which was kindly donates by NHBS . Check them out as they have a wide range of books and wildlife products, perfect for a gift to yourself or someone special!
Up to 11 years Category
We are very happy to announce the 'Up to 11 years' category winner of our annual photography competition!
This image was captured by Olivia Williams.
It's amazing to see people such as Olivia at such a young age getting involved and being interested in their local wildlife.
Olivia has some prizes on the way, including a book which was kindly donated by Evelyn Sinclair. Her books are perfect for children to learn about our native wildlife.
On Tuesday our scientific officer Stephen was joined by students from @newquayuniversitycentre to do some habitat management, and perhaps spot some of the local wildlife.
Habitat management is a key part in protecting our native reptiles and amphibians. By making the site suitable for them, it provides prime habitat for them in order to thrive.
They also did some updates on some reptile mats, another tool used to survey the populations which are used in ongoing studies!
We are very excited to announce our 3rd annual photography competition!
Have you spotted one of our native reptile or amphibians in Cornwall?
Fancy yourself a photographer? Why not enter our free competition? We have categories for different age groups as we want to see everyone get involved!
Aside from a few rules which can be seen on our poster there is no theme so you can be as creative as you would like!
Prizes will be rewarded for the best!
6:45pm - The Hawkins Arms, Zelah
Regular group meeting. All members welcome, as well as those who are considering becoming a member. Come and find out what the group is getting up to and share your opinion!
1:00pm-3:00pm - Windmill Farm Nature Reserve
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. Follow the lane till you see the windmill. Park in the open area at the end of the lane.
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If you can, please let us know if you are able to come by emailing our secretary, Nicola Morris.
CRAG will be undertaking a marram grass planting task at Constantine Bay. The task will not only help stabilise the exposed sand, but create the foundations to restore the dune which will in turn provide valuable and improved habitat for the lizard population at this site.
Meeting at Constantine Bay Car park. Nearest postcode; PL28 8JJ (Map Ref SW 859 745). The car park is small so you may need to park at the top of the lane opposite the surf shop (7 minute walk to the car park).
Bring lunch, water, gloves, small hand trowel (important!), spade if you have one, appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and sun cream.
You do not need to stay for the duration, any time you can offer will be greatly appreciated. After the task (weather permitting), Helen will lead an informal walk and talk session for CRAG members on site with the hope of spotting the odd lizard or two, you are welcome to join and quiz her on all things lizard related.
Directions: Take the A39 to Winnard’s Perch, take the B3274 towards Padstow and St Merryn and then follow signs to St. Merryn. From there, go towards Trevose Golf Club, but don’t make the turn to the golf club, stay on the road that hairpins to the left, on to by the small post box, sign posted right to Constantine Bay, on to the very end of the lane to the car park.
If you would like to join CRAG on this task or require any further information please email Helen Fearnley (Trip Leader) helenfearnley1@gmail.commailto:helenfearnley1@gmail.com>. Please note there is limited mobile reception on site, so please make sure you arrive on time, or contact Helen ahead of the task day, for the specific work location if you plan joining us later in the day.
This site is closed to public access so relatively undisturbed and a great place to see reptiles and other wildlife. We will meet at the gates to the dunes which will be locked once we enter so you must arrive on time. Nearest post code: - TR8 5PZ This takes you to a nearby farm. Drive past the farm until you reach a sharp left hand bend. The gate will be directly in front of you. Grid ref SW 78328 56670
If you would like to join CRAG at this event please contact Nicola Morris (Trip Leader)nicola.morris@cornwall.ac.ukmailto:nicola.morris@cornwall.ac.uk>
6:45pm - The Hawkins Arms, Zelah
Regular group meeting. All members welcome, as well as those who are considering becoming a member. Come and find out what the group is getting up to and share your opinion!
10.00am-12.00pm
CRAG will be running a reptile survey and recording field trip to Carn Moor Nature Reserve, nr Goonhavern. A lovely site to see reptiles.
Directions: Due to the limited parking near the site we will meet at Goonhavern Garden Centre TR4 9QQ and car share from there to the site nearby.
If you would like to join CRAG at this event please contact Steve Green (Trip Leader) stephen.green@cornwall.ac.uk
The Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group AGM will be held at Cornwall College Newquay, Wildflower Lane, Trenance Gardens, Newquay TR7 2LZ on Monday 9th October at 6pm. If you haven’t been to a meeting before now is your chance to meet everyone and find out what you can do to help our reptiles and amphibians in Cornwall.
We are a friendly group and would love to see you. If you aren’t able to make it but would like to contribute something for discussion do let me know.
We are having an outing to Bedruthan Steps, where 22 tins are in place in an area quite full of interesting reptiles.
Meet at 11:00am in the National Trust Carnewas carpark, which is close to Bedruthan Steps. The nearest postcode is PL27 7UW and grid reference SW 850 690.
Wellies are advised to get through the gorse, and there are also wet areas.
If you would like to join us, please contact Sarah Stevens, email address SarahE.Stevens@nationaltrust.org.uk, tel 01208 863821
In conjunction with the Environmental Record Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS), we are leading a one-day workshop on the survey techniques and identification of the reptiles and amphibians found in our county. The workshop will include a field trip to a nearby site known for its herpetofauna. For complete beginners through to more experienced practitioners who need a brush up and structured CPD.
Location: The Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Allet, Truro
Cost: £25 for most people, £50 for those working for commercial or government organisations
Booking is essential. To download a booking form, go to http://erccis.org.uk/Events or email laura.fox@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.
Sun, 20/05/2018 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
This is a joint event with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Find out how to survey for our native lizards and snakes. As long as the weather is reasonably mild, we expect the reptiles at this site to co-operate in being studied.
The Reserve Ranger has asked us to put a maximum of 20 on the bookings. Attendance will be by booking only. CWT Reception will take all the bookings and send directions. To book, call (01872) 273939.
For general enquiries please contact:
If you have any questions about reptiles or amphibians please contact our Science Officer below.
CRAG is always looking for new volunteers to help with habitat management and species monitoring. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch.
Acting Chair - Ethan Henderson - Ethe94@gmail.com
Science Officer - Stephen Green - stephen.green@cornwall.ac.uk
Amphibian Champion - Alice Pawlik - alicepawlik6@hotmail.com
Treasurer - Mark Nicholson
Secretary - Ethan Henderson - Ethe94@gmail.com
Social Media Officer - Ethan Henderson - Ethe94@gmail.com
Volunteer Coordinator - Emily Menear
Data Officer - Becky Turner
Web Officer - Laura Fox
Upcoming events will be listed here.
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