2004 Workparties

Improving reptile habitat
 

 

  

The site to be restored consists of a south-facing slope, covered in young elder and ash trees and scrub, containing a small disused quarry and pond. In 2003 I recorded a small breeding colony of Great Crested Newts in the pond, however this year the pond has remained dry for most of the year, so any eggs laid will have dried up along with the water plants.  Amphibian and reptile species present here are Great Crested, Palmate and Smooth Newt, Common Frog, Common toad, slow worm, grass snake and adder.  In spring 2004 I was delighted to find 2 new born adders and to find a further one in late October.

The major problem with this site was over shading from young trees and bramble.  There was also some Japanese Knotweed, which we could cut back, but probably not eliminate without the use of chemicals.

  
 

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
Cleared area with refugia
 
Reptile sites can be threatened by a lack of management in letting sites become totally overgrown, with widespread shading from trees and scrub.  Restoration needs to be done with care as overzealous management can also be damaging to reptiles if too much scrub is removed.  The correct balance should be a topography of heights, mature scrub, and open areas with small groups of trees.  This will encourage insects, birds and mammals as well as reptiles and amphibians and all important to a healthy biodiversity of the site.

We concentrated our efforts on the first day on lower slopes of the site; removing some elder and bramble, brush cutting paths through the bramble and opening up sun trapped basking sites.  Large logs and brash were turned into refugia, providing cover for insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.  A perimeter of bramble was left to create a natural barrier and protect the site from dogs and stray mountain bikers.  Minimising contact between people and reptiles on a site is an important consideration.  Later we cleared elder and bramble, and cut ash saplings around the pond.

Nigel Hand
 

 
Work party   The cleared pond fills