Seen a UK native reptile? We'd love you to record your sighting. You can submit your records through Record Pool: https://www.recordpool.org.uk/ or iRecord: https://irecord.org.uk/. Why not also take part in Garden Dragon Watch? https://www.arc-trust.org/garden-dragon-watch

We'll be at the New Forest Thrive Festival on Saturday 4 July, joining a fantastic range of organisations. 📍 Carvers Recreation Ground, Ringwood 🕙 10am–3pm 🎟️ Free to attend Find out more about the festival here: https://ow.ly/hbUC50ZiFXu

Many aquatic plants sold for ponds and aquaria can become invasive if introduced into the wild. Read more about Invasive Species Week and how to help prevent the spread of invasive species: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/invasive-species-week-protecting-wildlife-starts-with-protecting-habitats

Throughout the week, we'll be sharing information about invasive species and some of the actions we can all take to help prevent their spread. Find out more on our website: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/invasive-species-week-protecting-wildlife-starts-with-protecting-habitats

📢 SAVE THE DATE The ARC/BHS Joint Scientific Meeting: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/save-the-date-arcbhs-joint-scientific-meeting-2026

We recently teamed up with the Welsh Mountain Zoo to carry out essential habitat management for two of Wales' most remarkable reptile species: the adder and the sand lizard. Read more about it on our website: https://www.arc-trust.org/boosting-homes-for-adders-and-sand-lizards-in-north-east-wales

Midweek wildlife check-in! What amphibians or reptiles have you spotted so far this week? Share your observations in the comments 👇 #WildlifeWednesday #NatureConnection #Amphibians #Reptiles #UKWildlife

🌊 The ocean might seem a world away from your local pond, but they're more connected than you think. This #WorldOceanDay, we're celebrating the connections that make nature thrive. 💚 Read more about world ocean day here: https://worldoceanday.org/take-action/action-theme/

We're pleased to announce that the Ocean Bottle Classic 750ml Water Bottle and Ocean Bottle Brew Flask are now available in the ARC store, both featuring a premium ARC logo engraving. Check them out on our website: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/new-ocean-bottle-drinkware-now-available

Heathlands are one of the UK’s rarest habitats and without active management, they can quickly become unsuitable for all six of our reptile species. Watch how we manage our habitats here: https://youtu.be/H7Ypb1PdSN0

We’ve published our response to the "Lost Frogs report". Read our statement here: https://www.arc-trust.org/lost-frogs-report-comment-from-amphibian-and-reptile-conservation-trust

We’d like to send a huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026 in Glasgow. Your generosity and partnership help make this conference possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for your commitment to the herpetofauna community.

🌿 Conservation collaboration in action. After ARC UK identified key wildlife corridors in Jersey, the National Trust for Jersey’s Hedge Fund Project has planted 30 miles of hedgerows since 2019—helping 17 protected species move safely and reconnecting vital habitats.

🌤️ Only 3 days left to get your ticket for the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026! Join fellow herpworkers for talks, workshops & networking. Book before 15 Jan to secure your place: https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/herp-workers-meeting-2026 🐍🐸

🐸🦎 Help us bring Hop Spots! to life! Support ARC’s project inspiring kids to connect with nature, learn about native amphibians & reptiles, and take action for wildlife. Read all about it here: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/help-us-bring-hop-spots-to-life-our-justgiving-page-is-live

Help us bring Hop Spots to life – our JustGiving page is live

We’ve launched a JustGiving donation page to help raise vital funds for ARC’s education work, including our flagship Hop Spots project. At ARC, we work to connect people with the incredible amphibians and reptiles living on their doorstep. Through education, we aim to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire action to protect native species and their habitats.

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We’ve published our latest statement on reintroductions, assisted colonisation and the importance of evidence-led conservation. You can read our latest statement here ⬇️ https://www.arc-trust.org/News/ensuring-amphibian-and-reptile-releases-contribute-to-natures-recovery

🎉🐍🦎🐸 Happy New Year! 🐸🦎🐍🎉 Our field team are back out, protecting and monitoring the UK’s native reptiles and amphibians. Thank you for supporting our work—here’s to another year of conservation! 💚 #UKWildlife #ReptileConservation #Amphibians #BackInTheField

🐍 Legislation & policy update – December 2025 👉 Read our update here: https://www.arc-trust.org/legislation-and-policy-update-december-2025

Legislation and policy update December 2025

It has been a busy few weeks for legislation and policy affecting reptiles and amphibians. Here are the key points. The Government has now concluded the 7th Quinquennial Review of species protected under Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. JNCC had advised a range of changes to levels of protection for species, including an increase in protection for the adder. However, Government has now confirmed that it will not implement any of the changes in England. From a reptile and amphibian perspective, we are relieved that Government has not agreed with the calls for...

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Christmas scrub bash done right 🎄🐍 Our staff spent the day felling young pines at Great Ovens, Wareham (Dorset), keeping habitats open and sunny for snakes and lizards. Practical conservation to end the year 💚

🚨 We’re hiring! Join ARC and help protect Britain’s amphibians & reptiles 🐸🦎 Species Monitoring Network Development Officer 📍 Bournemouth | 🕒 Part-time (3 days) ⏳ 11-month FTC | 💷 £28k p/a (pro rata) Deadline: 9am, 12 Jan 2026 🔗 arc-trust.org/vacancies

Calling herp enthusiasts! 🐸🦎 Join the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026 in Glasgow (31 Jan–1 Feb) for talks, workshops, networking, a gala dinner & new Youth Symposium. Open to volunteers, students & professionals. 🌿 👉 Book your place now: https://www.arc-trust.org/Event/herp-workers-meeting-2026

Sharing a video update from Surrey Wildlife Trust on the recent Wealden Heaths joint partner volunteer task! 📽️ Watch here: https://fb.watch/DBE4ICfhON/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/5sDOY5CNRNo?si=MAdRHOl3o7K3SZbN #Conservation #Heathland #PartnershipWorking

Working in Partnership to connect our heathlands

In November 2025 Surrey Wildlife Trust joined forces with multiple partner organisations to clear Scots Pine from a privately owned heathy woodland site near...

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🌿 The UK’s latest biodiversity indicators show the urgent need to boost habitat connectivity and improve protected areas. This is vital for reptiles and amphibians. 📄 Full details in our latest newsletter below: https://www.arc-trust.org/News/connecting-habitats-and-biodiversity-indicators

Connecting Habitats and Protecting Sites - What the Latest Biodiversity Indicators Mean for Reptiles and Amphibians

The UK Government has released updated Biodiversity Indicators, offering insights into how well our landscapes support wildlife and how protected areas are performing. Two indicators—Habitat Connectivity and Extent and Condition of Protected Areas—are particularly important for building resilient ecosystems.

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🌿 ARC staff and volunteers joined the National Trust in Purbeck for a winter habitat management day, cutting back gorse to support local reptile and amphibian species. Great teamwork, careful conservation — and even some sunshine! ☀️📸 #ConservationInAction

“Gardening with Natural Pest Controllers – The Power of Amphibians” An informative session on the role of native amphibians in natural pest management. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gardening-with-natural-pests-controllers-the-power-of-amphibians-tickets-1970359042938

Gardening with natural pest controllers – the power of amphibians

Discover how frogs, toads, and newts can become your greatest allies in the garden.

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Every penny counts - let’s make your generosity go even further 💚 at no extra cost to you! Simply tick the box in the Gift Aid section when filling out a membership or donation form or email us to update your declaration at enquiries@arc-trust.org to update or add your Gift Aid declaration today!

Check out our latest advice for helping amphibians this Winter, and a complete guide to garden pond maintenance ❄️🎄 A Tale of Frogs and Ice: https://ow.ly/2aB450XzX7Y Creating Garden Ponds for Wildlife: https://ow.ly/nqxV50XzX7Z

A HUGE thank you to everybody who attended and helped organise the Joint Scientific Meeting this Saturday! ✨🐸 We look forward to seeing you again for the Herpetofauna Workers Meeting at the start of the new year! 👀💚

Take a look at our Hibernation FAQ to learn why and how amphibians and reptiles hibernate, as well as tips and tricks for helping them 'chill out' from October to February🎄🐸 👉 https://www.arc-trust.org/hibernation-faqs

Ever wondered how the UK’s amphibians and reptiles keep themselves from freezing in this weather? ❄️🐸 Keep reading to discover some incredible adaptations that three of our native species have adapted to beat the harsh climate! 👉 https://www.arc-trust.org/News/herp-superpowers-winter