Froglife’s newsletter - , reptiles & nature news e Issue 19 autumn/winter 2019 froglif Failte gu Alba (Welcome to )

froglife Photo: Forsinard Flows by Craig Mackay

Plus...Sir John Lister-Kaye : Natterjack Conservation : Species Champions Photo: Craig Mackay contents ‘From the CEO’: Kathy Wormald on the 3. Latest Developments Garden Wildlife Health (GWH) is a 4. John Lister-Kaye collaborative project between the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Deepening and widening Froglife’s impact 6. in Scotland the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Froglife and the Royal 7. Species Champions Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) which aims to monitor the Fresh eyes, new perspectives: a personal 8. view of 2 year’s worth of change health of, and identify disease threats to, British wildlife. Green Pathways in Scotland 10. Visit www.gardenwildlifehealth.org 12. Nattering about Natterjacks to find out more ’s great crested newts: 14. Scotland’s first translocation 16. Gartcosh Tunnel Monitoring Ten years of habitat work in The Froglife Board 18. Scotland Chair of Trustees: Inez Smith Adders in Scotland: their study and Vice Chair of Trustees: Prof. Roger Downie 20. conservation Trustees: Frank Clark, Richard Donoyou, Dr. Phil Wheeler, Gordon MacLellan, Dr. Silviu Petrovan There were always tadpoles... 22. Patrons: Kate Bradbury, Mike Dilger & Jules Howard 24. Miriam Ross CEO: Kathy Wormald 26. Come Forth for Wildlife contact us Species Champions: standing up for Froglife 28. Scotland’s wildlife 1 Loxley, Werrington Peterborough PE4 5BW 31. Wildlife in Winter fe Phone: 01733 602102 ogli 32. Frogalogue Email: [email protected] fr

Design by Dr Victoria Larcombe Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps www.froglife.org

froglife @froglifers froglifers +froglife froglife

Froglife is the campaign title for The Froglife Trust. Registered Charity Number 1093372 (in England & Wales) & SC041854 (in Scotland); Registered Company Number 438714 (in England & Wales). The views expressed in Natterchat are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Froglife. To advertise in or to sponsor an edition of Natterchat please contact Kathy Wormald at [email protected].

Help us find dragons... Grab your phone, get your wellies, and go out dragon hunting this spring to help us map amphibians and reptiles.

The new version of our free Dragon Finder smartphone app will help you to identify all the different amphibians and reptiles you might spot in the UK. You can also use it to record your sightings, adding to our Living Atlas of where the can be found.

2 Dear the wildlife tunnel monitoring that the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, supporters, we are doing at Gartcosh Nature alongside many other co-funders for Reserve. Fortunately, thanks to our Come Forth for Wildlife project, We have automated analysis, our staff do not we know that our work in Scotland devoted this have to analyse all 360,800 images will go from strength to strength. edition of our taken by each of the six cameras. Come Forth for Wildlife is a 4 year newsletter We also report on the excellent work project working along the Forth to Scotland. that our Green Pathways Valley. More information on page 26. This has been for Life project is doing working with prompted by the fact that despite We will also be continuing with our people living with dementia. Scotland being renowned for its existing work including Glasgow number of species - approximately In addition to covering the ‘on the Green Pathways which has expanded 90,000 , plant and microbe ground’ physical work that Froglife is and is now also working with people species, alongside a complex mosaic doing we also report on the valuable living with dementia. More on page of habitats making up a rich and work of Scottish Environment LINK 10. varied landscape, it receives far less and how we contribute towards As always we must thank everyone funding, to protect its biodiversity, policies and legislation in Scotland. who has helped us to achieve than the rest of the UK. Scotland is We are very pleased to welcome so much. Without the financial home to internationally important Deborah Long back to the sector support of grant makers, friends habitats many of which are protected as the new Chair of Scottish and corporate supporters we would areas, as well as many protected Environment LINK and include her of course not have been able to species, and as such it should be blog on returning to the sector after improve those 253 wildlife sites or receiving much more funding to help a two year break. involve so many people. We also protect these. Chris McInerny has written an thank our volunteers for all the In this newsletter we are highlighting excellent article on the adders assistance that you give us, your the valuable work that Froglife has at Loch Lomond and it is very input is invaluable. been doing in Scotland. Over the reassuring to read that they are past ten years we have improved 253 faring well despite the high level of Kathy Wormald, CEO wildlife sites not only for amphibians human interference in the area . and reptiles but for a wide range of Thanks to a substantial grant from other species that share the same National Heritage Lottery Fund and habitat requirements. We report on

Photo: www.mbwphotography.com 3 Sir John Lister-Kaye On Scottish Conservation

An award-winning fact the 80,000 square kilometers of cooler climes conservationist, naturalist farmland, moorland and forest that that they can be and writer, John Lister-Kaye is comprise this country are home to found breeding also the founder and director an astonishing 90,000 species. In at an impressive of field centre in the conservation terms, Scotland is a 1,120m high Scottish Highlands. John has real hotspot. Some of Britain’s most on Ben Macdui in the Cairngorm held prominent positions in the endangered species exist only here. mountains! It is also home to RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Despite several reintroductions the nationally important populations of The Scottish Wildlife Trust and great forest gouse, Capercaillie, is common and adders – both of other conservation bodies and is down to the last 1,000 birds all of which are declining rapidly elsewhere now running a Scottish wildcat which are in the Scottish Highlands. in the UK. At Aigas we are lucky to breeding programme at Aigas. Pine martens and red squirrels have have a healthy population of adders been pushed to the edge of their on sunny moorland edges, as well as I have run a field studies’ centre natural ranges with 75% of the UK’s ponds teeming with palmate newts in the northern central Highlands reds residing in Scotland. And The and common toads. for 45 years. Our core work is Scottish wildcat, now teetering on the environmental education for In spite of this impressive array of brink of extinction, is confined to tiny schools, reaching some species, wildlife in Scotland is under patches of habitat in the North - if 7,000 a year, and adult programmes threat. Centuries of exploitation any true wildcats remain at all. Our on a wide range of natural history and persecution have left many wildcat breeding programme at Aigas subjects. We chose the Highlands species in a vulnerable position. The is helping to protect this charismatic because of its breadth of biodiversity. intensification of agriculture and cat. We watch and monitor wildlife all the forestry, as well as the development time and we have witnessed many Scotland isn’t just a stronghold and expansion of towns and cities is changes, some positive, some deeply for these large iconic species – fragmenting vital habitats. Climate disappointing. amphibians and reptiles thrive here too. Despite the colder climate, It should come as no surprise that Scotland has healthy populations Scotland is so incredibly biodiverse. A of Great crested newts, palmate complex mosaic of habitats form the newts, slow worms, common lizards rich and varied Scottish landscapes and even natterjack toads. Common admired across the world today. In have adapted so well to these

4 Photo: Craig Mackay change is also beginning to take its toll. Driving changes in distributions and population sizes, the more variable and extreme weather is reducing the resilience of many species in the face of other threats such as invasive non-native species. But there is hope for Scottish conservation. Many organizations are working hard to reverse these human-induced declines and restore internationally important habitats. Only around 8% of the UK population lives in Scotland, leaving vast swathes of land, particularly upland, uninhabited. With better management and conservation input based on sound science, this land Photo: Michelle Branson could once again be a haven for Image above: Brora, one of our Scottish wildcats in the Aigas breeding nature. programme. I was dismayed but unsurprised to hear the results of the recent report on environmental grant allocations in the UK. The paper showed that Scotland receives only 5% of all the UK’s charitable trust funding for environmental causes, despite making up 32% of the our land mass. Just imagine the progress that could be made if this money was allocated more fairly. The world is changing very rapidly, not just as a result of climate change. There is a palpable grassroots movement to do better – much better. Organizations such as Extinction Rebellion, Climate Action and inspired young people such as Greta Thunberg are at last being listened to. It is incumbent upon Photo: Michelle Branson us all to come together, NGOs, government agencies and the general Image below: a froglet release at ‘John’s pond’ on the Aigas estate. A local populace to ensure a safe future for school group helped release 112 froglets which had been reared from spawn people and wildlife alike. rescued from a puddle.

Photo: Michelle Branson 5 Deepening and widening Froglife’s impact in Scotland by Prof Roger Downie (University represent. It is also a principle of Glasgow & Froglife Trustee) that individual NGOs are free and Kathy Wormald (Froglife to opt out of any ScotLink policy CEO) positions that conflict with their views. Occasionally, a member Since around the time of Froglife’s may resign on principle; this has first project in Scotland (Glasgow happened when an NGO whose Living Waters, 2009), we have been turtles: essentially all the amphibian main aim is to conserve landscape a member of Scottish Environment and reptile species occurring in and and countryside access disagrees Link (ScotLink). ScotLink provides a around Scotland, except for palmate over approval of renewable energy forum for the diverse environmental newts and adders. So a higher installations (hydro dams and NGOs in Scotland (from large bodies proportion of Scottish amphibians windfarms especially) that others like RSPB Scotland and the Scottish and reptiles are championed than for are in favour of on climate change Wildlife Trust to small ones like any other taxonomic group. MSPs grounds. Scottish Badgers) to discuss issues usually want assurance that the of common interest. ScotLink is a One innovative ScotLink idea is the species occurs in their constituency membership organisation with a Species Champion scheme. Member (even though they can’t vote!). membership fee related to each NGOs contribute a list of species in Species Champions are encouraged member’s income in Scotland (some Scotland (including marine species) to participate in relevant events, groups operate only in Scotland; that deserve to be better known like visiting project sites or hosting/ others are UK wide; others like the and protected. This list is then attending a celebration event on Worldwide Fund for Nature are presented to the Scottish Parliament, completion of a project. They can international). The membership and members (MSPs) are invited to also help us when we are dealing fees help support a small number choose a species to champion. Of with central and local government of highly dedicated and expert the 129 members, 102 are currently on various matters. Membership has ScotLink staff who service the signed up. From our list of species, allowed us to contribute to the wide work of specialist sub-groups and we have champions for common range of policy issues that ScotLink assist in the development of policies , common and natterjack toads, works on, without having to invest which members may sign up to. A smooth and great crested newts, in costs for policy staff. Recent general principle is that the views slow worms, common lizards and of environmental NGOs are likely leatherback to have greater impact the more members of the public they

6 Photo: Craig Mackay examples are: - Proposals for a new Scottish Environment Act SPECIES CHAMPIONS (to replace and enhance current EU legislation) - Comments on a new Scottish Planning Act, where the balance between development plans Emma Harper, and conservation is highly contested MSP for South - Policies on plastics: a possible tax on plastic Scotland and packaging; a system for producers to take Parliamentary responsibility for packaging; a Scottish Deposit Liaison Officer Return scheme (which the Scottish Government to the Cabinet has now announced Secretary for Rural Economy - A new Climate Bill, aimed at tougher targets for and Connectivity. carbon emission reduction Emma is - A Good Food Nation bill, including proposals supporting the to reduce the damaging effects of modern natterjack agriculture practice on wildlife - Plans for a Scottish National Investment Bank, to include commitments to environmental sustainability and enhancement David Torrance, MSP for - Support for Scotland’s Nature on Red Alert Kirkcaldy and report, which highlights the threats from climate supporting the change and other factors. This essentially made common lizard the same conclusions for Scotland that the later UN Global Assessment Report made for the whole world In addition, when time allows we have contributed to the discussions of a number of ScotLink working groups: on Wildlife, Wildlife crime, Governance, and Economics. This kind of work may not sound as exciting as practical activities like creating new habitat for our Bruce Crawford, species, but it is vital in ensuring that policies MSP for Stirling are in place to ensure that wildlife can thrive. By and supporting contributing to ScotLink, Froglife ensures that the slow worm the needs of our species are considered among all the other problems the environment faces.

Mary Fee, MSP for West Scotland and supporting the

7 Fresh eyes, new perspectives a personal view of 2 year ’s worth of change

Dr Deborah Long (Scottish sector for two years. And now I’m direction although Environment Link Chief Officer) back. Coming back in with fresh eyes not always. That blogs about her return to the has been a revelation. Some things marriage of ENGO (environmental non- have changed and others haven’t but convenience has governmental organization) the clarity of a new perspective has changed into a sector after a 2 year break been invaluable. marriage of necessity as this sector and others respond to external and After more than 17 years working What’s changed? significant threats, including the for small environmental and cultural The value given to working current consitutional crises. There charities in Scotland, I left the eNGO cooperatively and collaboratively: two has been a realisation that we face years ago, environmental enormous challenges and that if bodies in Scotland any one of us wants to achieve our rubbed along, broad objective of making Scotland usually pulling a sustainable place to live, work and in the play then we have to work together in same defending the environment. The rise in public support for action against climate change and biodiversity loss: while both have been massive threats for a long time, they have not, until recently reached the top of people’s worry lists. Both are now right at the top and are bringing people out onto the streets as they see the significance of today’s inaction for future generations. Public opinion when it changes can change very quickly and governments have been left scrabbling with inadequate mechanisms that are far too cumbersome to be able to address the significant and stretching demands now being made by the public. What hasn’t changed? Scotland’s landscape and wildlife is still being taken for granted. Despite Scotland trading increasingly on its global reputation for clean seas, wild mountains and magnificent wildlife, the investment and protection in all of them has declined, and continues that way despite the investment Scotland makes in marketing its landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. In

8 Photo: Craig Mackay addition, there is still no strategic still taking too much and not giving have natural systems that are still vision for Scotland’s natural and enough. And any economist will tell functioning albeit in a suboptimal cultural heritage and landscapes. you that is a model bound to fail. way. We need to act now, act For centuries Scotland’s attitude together and show the way forward. So on balance, do the changes cancel to land and sea has largely been to Froglife In Glasgow – our projects each other out? The positive change use it as a never ending resource and work of cooperation and collaboration is that requires no inputs. As a result, an important tool in addressing the The ‘Dear Green Place’ as it’s often Scotland is home to moorlands that challenges we face and that public called by people in the city has are overgrazed and burnt and unable opinion is highlighting. But that spirit been a focus of Froglife’s work in to sustain ecologically functioning of cooperation and collaboration Scotland for many years. The city food chains or functioning soils. needs to reach way beyond the eNGO is made up of 32% green space, of Scotland is home to declining fish world and into much wider circles. which 13% is publicly accessible stocks and seabird colonies in We need to be working with farmers parks and gardens. In the past we free fall. And Scotland is home and crofters, fishermen and creelers, have delivered projects to improve to a landscape characterised as outdoor instructors, tourism habitats for amphibians (and wild but with no protection against businesses as well as government. reptiles, though they are few and fragmentation and industrialisation And the environment, its wildlife and far between in Glasgow) namely to from wind farms or hill tracks. Yet at landscapes need investment if they create more pond and wetland areas the same time, the image Scotland are to deliver our livelihoods. If we for amphibians to breed and live in projects to the world is of food get the tools right then we are in and to improve existing ones. We chains able to support top predators much stronger position than we were currently run two different projects like sea and golden eagles, artfully two years ago. in Glasgow to engage communities photographed landscapes with no and individuals with practical wind turbines, tracks, plantations or Scotland is not alone. The UN Global conservation activities as well as to pylons. Wild landscapes and wildlife Assessment for Nature illustrates improve their local greenspaces for on land and at sea do still exist in the same challenge right across wildlife in the process. Scotland but they don’t thrive. They the world. In Scotland, we still survive despite and not because of how we value our natural resources. What will it take for us as the public and our policy makers to realise and act on the basic truth that nothing can be sustained without sustenance? If Scotland is to keep attracting the world through its natural and cultural heritage, that heritage needs conserving, protecting and restoring. For natural heritage that does not mean conserving what we have as museum pieces but it means conserving the active ecological processes that enable Scotland’s ecosystem to function. That enable peatlands and river systems to regulate healthy water supplies, woodlands to support a timber industry and woodland species like red squirrels and Celtic rainforest mosses, grasslands that support flower rich machair and vibrant crofting communities and seas that support a global shell fish industry as well as internationally important seabird and seal colonies. These need not be mutually exclusive and for Scotland’s future cannot be so. But both sides of the give and take need to be addressed. We are

Photo: Craig Mackay Photo: Craig Mackay 9 Green Pathways in Scotland

by Louise Smith (Glasgow Green “I enjoyed building ramps for the together with others, Pathways Project Officer, frogs and toads!” One young person smiling, laughing and Froglife) on working to create wildlife ramps asking questions about of stones inside a newly created pond amphibians. A fabulous result! Glasgow Green Pathways with high edges. The Glasgow Green Pathways project Green Pathways for Life “I felt brilliant, safe and happy!” works with disadvantaged and One of our newest projects in vulnerable young people in the city Under the New Skills section of one Scotland is the Green Pathways on practical and educational activities of our feedback forms one young For Life project. For one day to improve greenspaces for wildlife. person wrote “Friends”, this is each we we work with people We work mainly during evenings, ultimately one of the most positive living with dementia, delivering weekends and during the school forms of feedback holidays with groups of young people the Glasgow Green both in groups and on a 1-2-1 basis if Pathways project needed. has received. The young person who Over the course of the project we wrote this had a will deliver 180 sessions in the city, huge amount of working with 850 young people and initial shyness and 30 different project partners. We didn’t interact with will create ponds, miniponds, bog the other young gardens and hibernacula with young people in the group. people at 15 sites. Finally, we will The partnership spread awareness of Froglife and our organisation said projects in Scotland through a variety they’d also had of events. trouble engaging One of the most rewarding things the young person, about this project is the impact it has both with other on the young people we work with. activities the group We work with them to improve their do and to encourage confidence, social skills and positive them to work with behaviour throughout our time with other people their them and their feedback to us, both own age as well. themselves and via our partnership By the end of the organisations is invaluable. session the young “I feel happy now!” person was working 10 practical activities to improve local wildlife and people in the greenspaces for wildlife. community. The group members themselves The project started in May 2018 decide on the activities and will run for 18 months. During we do during sessions, this time we will deliver 55 sessions the majority of which to people living with dementia in involve travelling (either Glasgow, working with three groups by car or walking) to from two care homes. We are nearby community bringing wildlife-orientated activities gardens as a group to to residents to improve their grounds see and learn about for wildlife. So far, we have worked them. This encourages with residents to create bird boxes, groups to include a hotels, bird feeders, toad more active element homes and mini ponds. We have also to their sessions, both carried out amphibian and reptile with Froglife and during art projects, and wildlife friendly their other sessions, to gardening activities. see new green spaces One resident responded very well to of the city and to learn creating bird boxes. He got involved about their local wildlife. in helping to saw the wood and then We have so far visited 6 painted the bird boxes. His family local greenspaces with member was keen to point out his these groups, with one engagement when they visited during group deciding to walk a session, “I’ve not seen him as alert along the Forth and all morning in a long time. I think Clyde Canal from Charing he’s really enjoyed it. He was always Cross to Maryhill during interested in birds.” several sessions because Staff at the care homes regularly they enjoyed it so much! comment on residents interest It’s hugely rewarding in our activities but the feedback to work with such from family members shows just amazing people and how valuable these sessions are to organisations with this residents living with dementia. Even project, to be able to those who are not able to physically build up relationships participate much in activities enjoy with people in the groups being there and engaging. One and help them, even Activity Coordinator mentioned in the smallest way, to a resident who didn’t participate live well with dementia. much in activities at the care home We’re looking forward to but talked about the different birds the next 6 months with who might use the bird boxes we this project and hope it were creating together and enjoyed continues well into the looking at the one we made with him, future! “He was talking about what we were We would like to thank doing even though he wasn’t really the Life Changes Trust, participating much.” which is funded by the The project also works with those Big Lottery. who still live at home. We have We would also like to worked with Alzheimer Scotland thank The Hospital to deliver sessions to their Day Saturday Fund for their Opportunities groups and with support of the project. Queens Cross Housing Association to create a new wildlife walking group with residents, which has continued to stay active once Froglife was unable to continue sessions with them - a huge leap forward for

11 Photo: Tracy Farrer Nattering about Natterjacks

by Rowena Flavelle (Mersehead in specially designed pools at the remaining Warden, RSPB) RSPB Mersehead. The Natterjack colony at RSPB toad takes three years to reach Mersehead, The Natterjack toad, a European maturity and in 2002 the discovery a new and protected species and the UK’s of spawn strings confirmed that the innovative rarest amphibian, can only be translocation project had been a technique of found in Scotland along the Solway success. recognising individual toads by Estuary. Currently, the largest indentifying their unique pattern of colony in Scotland is located at Since then, Mersehead has been dorsal warts was used over three RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve home to a population of Natterjack years (2014-16) to estimate the in Kirkcudbrightshire. However, toads which were monitored using adult population. The traditional this colony did not reach RSPB the traditional spawn string method. spawn string method only gives Mersehead under its own steam and This survey technique involves an indication of the number of was instead the result of a successful searching the pools during the day females. This new method would translocation project conducted by and counting the number of spawn include an understanding of the the Royal Society for the Protection strings found which provides an male population. As adult Natterjack of Birds (RSPB) in 1999. Spawn indication of the female population toads are nocturnal each survey was strings were collected from a size as it is assumed that each female conducted after sunset; the survey natural population at Southerness will only spawn once. was repeated three times in one year. in Kirkcudbrightshire and placed In 2014, two devastating storm To identify the unique dorsal wart surges hit the west pattern, each toad was photographed coast of the UK whilst sitting in a washing-up sponge in January and to reduce movement. February, destroying After three surveys had been the sand dune system completed, the photographs were at RSPB Mersehead analysed to see how many times the and inundating the same toad had been caught. Each reserve with sea toad was also measured to give an water. Natterjack indication of the age; juvenile toads toads hibernate in are around 40mm long whereas sandy lose ground mature adults may be as large as and it was presumed 65mm. This data allows the age that the colony had distribution of the colony to be been washed out to understood and can indicate if a sea. population is thriving or not. For To gain a detailed example, an ageing population with Natterjack toad. Photo by R.Flavelle understanding of no new recruits may indicate poor 12 Sand dunes destroyed. Photo by R.Flavelle Photo ID work. Photo by C.McMurray Adult female. Photo by Roger Broad

breeding success and the potential toadlets emerged from the pools. high salinity removed all the aquatic collapse of the colony in a few years These toadlets will forage, hibernate predators from the pools and time. and grow over the next three years rainwater then reduced the salinity. which means we should see another The largest number of toads seen mega-boom year in 2021. in one night was 90. However, the photographic analysis of the The Natterjack toad is dorsal wart pattern allowed for the a classic example of a assumption that not all toads present boom and bust species. on the reserve would be seen in one As a relatively long-lived night. The conclusion of the three- amphibian (adults may year study estimated that the adult live to eight years old), male population at RSPB Mersehead Natterjack toad colonies was 150 and importantly, therefore, a can survive poor breeding sustainable population. providing one year out of three is successful. With Since 2017, night surveys to hindsight we know that count adult toads and traditional although devastating, the spawn string monitoring has been storm surge essentially completed and we have seen amazing re-booted the Natterjack results! In 2017, 240 adult toads toad habitat at RSPB were counted in one night. In 2018, Mersehead. The inundation 302 adult toads were counted in one Toadlets. Photo by R.Flavelle of seawater and resulting night. In 2018, a minimum of 2000

Photo: Chris Gleed Owen 13 natterchat feature

Gartcosh’s great crested newts Scotland’s first translocation

by Prof Roger Downie (Froglife Natural Heritage(SNH), but not to The translocation took place over Trustee, University of Glasgow), some local residents who had known three years (2004-2006) and moved Dr Deborah McNeill (University about the newts for years. 1012 adult GCN, 2800 smooth newts, of Glasgow), Lynsey Harper 2705 palmates, 1500 common GCNs are protected under both (University of Hull), Dr Silviu frogs and 3168 common toads. EU and Scottish law, with SNH Petrovan (University of Comparison with published estimates being the agency responsible for Cambridge) suggested that Gartcosh holds their protection in Scotland. After 9-29% of the total GCN population Scotland’s great crested newt (GCN) thorough surveys, a 10 hectare area in Scotland, clearly a substantial populations are more scattered containing the 13 original ponds, proportion of the total at one site. than those in England. Essentially plus eight newly created ponds there are three concentrations of was designated as the Amphibian The last post-translocation survey GCN sites in Scotland: Dumfries, Conservation Area in 1998. However, was carried out in 2015. Modelling Galloway and the Borders in the Scottish Enterprise soon came to of the 10 year dataset indicated south; the central belt; and a distinct regard this area as crucial to their that the translocation had been population around in the regeneration plans. After much broadly successful , with an apparent north. Most of the sites host fairly debate, a new area nearby was increase in adult numbers. However, small populations, but the population deemed suitable for GCN (and other there was unexplained variation in at Gartcosh, northeast of Glasgow, is amphibians), and this 29 hectare adult numbers between the reserve’s substantial. site was prepared as the Gartcosh zones, with some showing declines. Nature Reserve in 2003. It comprises Use of Rob Oldham’s Habitat Gartcosh had been the location three separate zones, each with a Suitability Index(HSI) suggested that of a major steel works since the pond cluster (21 ponds in all, plus it may need revision for Scottish mid 19th century. British Steel three scrapes in one zone). As part populations; for example, there operated it from 1962 until closure of the plan for the new reserve, was no relationship between HSI and demolition in 1986. Scottish SNH agreed to a translocation of the scores and GCN peak or average Enterprise took over the area as a amphibians from the original site, the adult counts, unlike findings in long-term regeneration opportunity, first ex situ translocation in Scotland. England. Additionally both Paterson but were surprised to find a set of The translocated population was to and Harper et al. found that ponds holding considerable numbers be monitored for 10 years, and SNH Gartcosh GCNs are active at lower of amphibians, including GCN. This also funded a PhD project at the temperatures than expected in was also a surprise to Scottish University of Glasgow. England. 14 GCN translocation

The closed nature of the Gartcosh the road separating Frankfield Loch Harper, L.R., McNeill, D.C. and site provides a long-term problem: (only a few miles from Gartcosh) Downie, J.R. (2018). The latest it is surrounded by railway tracks from a nearby marsh. Rather than chapter in a conservation story: and motorways, making dispersal using other methods, such as completing 10 years of post- to and from other sites extremely individual pattern recognition of translocation monitoring for a unlikely, and severely limiting newts found under cover objects population of great crested newt in genetic exchange. In 2014-2015 in the proximity of the road, which Scotland. The Glasgow Naturalist 26 another problem arose. The Scottish often provides extremely few (4), 29-44. Government is under political recaptures, thus making statistical Harper, L.R., McNeill, D.C. and pressure to build affordable housing analyses impossible, Froglife is using Downie, J.R. (2019). McNeill, D.C. in areas with reasonable employment customised timelapse cameras( see and Downie, J.R. (2019). Assessment prospects. As a publically owned next article by Laurence Jarvis). of habitat and survey criteria for site close to Glasgow, Gartcosh is Cameras have great advantages in great crested newts (Triturus highly suitable. House-building has providing unbiased high quality data cristatus) in Scotland; a case been underway outwith the Gartcosh over long periods of time, which study of a translocated population. Nature Reserve for some years. maximises the opportunities for Hydrobiologia 828, 57-71. The new problem is the need for an robust comparisons. Gartcosh has access road between the housing unrivalled population monitoring Hill,I.D.C., Rossi, C.A., Petrovan, S.O., areas and main roads. Unfortunately, data over several years and this, Hartup,M. Clark, F. and Downie, of three proposed variants, the in addition to high-quality tunnel J.R. (2019). Mitigating the effects most suitable position identified monitoring data, could provide of a road on amphibian migrations: for this road was across the nature substantial evidence of the a Scottish case study of road reserve. Despite opposition, planning effectiveness of the tunnel and fence tunnels. The Glasgow Naturalist 27 permission for the road was granted system, not only at this site but for (Supplement), 25-36. in 2015. A condition was that the Europe generally where the species Paterson, E. (2018). Changes in road should include tunnels and also resides. relative population size detection fences to allow animals (including Further reading rates of great crested newts over not just newts but also badgers and time. Herpetological Bulletin 143, McNeill, D.C., Downie, J.R. and Ross, even otters) to access all parts of 12-17. the reserve without having to cross B.(2012). Gartcosh great crested the road. Froglife has considerable newts: the story so far. The Glasgow experience in monitoring wildlife use Naturalist 25(4), 87-91. of road tunnels, including a study of

15 15 natterchat feature

Gartcosh tunnel monitoring

by Dr Laurence Jarvis (Science & our other UK sites, including Monks themselves Research Manager, Froglife) Cross in York and Peters Village, housed two Kent, we were able to install cameras LEDs powered In March this year we started our which could monitor the full width by twin lithium first season of monitoring six large of the tunnel (Figure 3). However, in battery packs. tunnels at the Gartcosh Nature the wider tunnels at Gartcosh this These enable Reserve in Glenboig, Scotland. We was not possible, even with wide the cameras to aim to determine whether great angle lenses. Thanks to Froglife work 24 hours a crested newts, and other amphibian trustee Frank Clark and former BBC day and provide high quality images. species, use the tunnels to move engineer Michael Hartup we were Each time-lapse camera takes an from one side of the reserve to the able to develop a camera system that image every 10 seconds to ensure other. We will monitor the tunnels will be able to effectively monitor the any movement of amphibians, as in the spring and autumn for the movement of amphibians through well as other non-target species, is next five years to determine the these large tunnels. recorded. Since the tunnels are wider effectiveness of these mitigation than the field of view of the cameras, tunnels for providing a corridor for We developed large metal frame we designed a funnel system which great crested newts. supports for each camera, avoiding will direct amphibians towards the the need to fix them to the roof of The tunnels are 3-metres wide by 1 m cameras (Figure 4). These had to be the tunnels. This also ensured that high (Figure 2) and posed a challenge installed on-site in difficult wet and the cameras were not too far from for developing an effective tunnel windy conditions in the autumn of the floor of the tunnels which would monitoring system. In the smaller 50 2018. In addition to monitoring the reduce image quality. The cameras cm wide tunnels used at several of movement of amphibians we have

Figure 1. A view of the Gartcosh landscape, including some of the industrial developments.

16 tunnel monitoring

Figure 2. Three of the six tunnels under the link road at Gartcosh. Each tunnel has been provided with a secure metal barred gate and padlock to avoid theft of the cameras. data-loggers in each tunnel. These This can reduce the number of record temperature and humidity images by between 70% and 90% every 10 minutes throughout the and greatly improves the efficiency monitoring period and will provide of data analysis. After automated valuable climatic data which will be analysis each image has to be useful for the project. manually examined to determine if an amphibian species is present and The spring monitoring commenced if so, its sex (if possible), age (adult in mid-March, running for or juvenile) and direction of travel. approximately six weeks. Every five Figure 3. Small 50 cm wide tunnels We will re-commence the monitoring days the batteries needed changing like this one at Peters Village, Kent, in late September to record autumn and data downloading from SD cards. are easier to monitor. movements and dispersal of This was carried out by Froglife amphibians. The monitoring will staff member, Louise Smith. The continue for a total of five years, spring season has just finished and finishing in 2023. we are just beginning the data analysis. Each camera will have collected over 360,800 images, most of which will be empty images i.e. no amphibians present. We have therefore developed a specially adapted computer script which is able to eliminate all images with no movement.

Figure 4. Metal frames holding one of the cameras in tunnel 1 at Gartcosh. The wooden structures are designed to guide amphibians, and any non-target species, towards the camera.

17 Ten years of amphibian habitat work in Scotland

by Prof Roger Downie (Froglife to ponds, many overwintering sites suitable margin Trustee, University of Glasgow) (hibernacula) have been created plants. Timing (often using the spoil from pond is vital: it is best Changes in agricultural practice, plus excavations), as well as visitor to work when the animals are creeping urbanisation, have led to a facilities such as viewing platforms. hibernating, during late autumn and long term decline in ponds suitable winter, despite the often inclement for amphibian breeding across the These projects have all involved weather at that time. UK. Froglife’s approach has been careful preparations: negotiations practical: get out there and make with stakeholders, principally Local How successful are the new ponds? new ponds and improve the quality Authorities (LAs) and community Each project has included some time of existing ones, wherever possible. groups; and funding applications for post-construction monitoring. In Scotland, this work has been through landfill tax trusts such as the Although a few ponds have been done as part of five Living Water or Landfill Communities Fund, WREN unsuccessful, drying up, or damaged Dragon Finder projects, 2009-2019. and Biffa, the Heritage Lottery Fund, by vandalism, most have quickly been Natterchat has reported on some of and a host of local trusts. Once the colonised by amphibians (common this in 2016 and 2018, but an edition funding and permissions are all frogs and toads; smooth and palmate devoted to Scotland seems a good in place, site work can begin. This newts), and a wide variety of aquatic opportunity for an overview of a involves working with contractors, invertebrates. No great crested decade’s progress. if the ponds are large, or with local newts or natterjack toads so far, volunteer groups for smaller scale but these have rather restricted Table 1 summarises the locations ponds. It is not simply a matter of distributions in Scotland. Froglife has of these projects, which have digging a hole: at some sites, a heavy a commitment in its Conservation covered much of the country, and duty impervious liner is needed, Strategy that, beginning this year, all the habitat work done. In addition and most sites need furnished with habitats they work will be revisited

18 1,3,5 & 10 years post works. needs to be embedded in public reports. Aspects have been published sympathy and active support. elsewhere, in particular in Larcombe Living Water and Dragon Finder are & Stead (2019), Scottish Dragon not solely about habitat creation. We have already worked with many Finder evaluation, The Glasgow Each project has included a of Scotland’s local authorities and Naturalist 27 Supplement, 45-7. We substantial commitment to public communities, but much remains to be acknowledge the contributions of engagement, with schools and done, and we look forward to more all funders and collaborating local community groups, mainly. This has projects in the future. authorities to the success of the included learning about amphibians Further information and work reported here. and reptiles, training for practical acknowledgements work, as well as a range of arts- based responses. Froglife believes The information in this article that successful wildlife conservation has been drawn from the project

Table 1: Ponds created or restored by Froglife in Scotland 2009-2019: * Scotland-wide, 14 Local Authorities

Place Years Sites Ponds Scrapes Restorations

Glasgow 2009-13 20 38 17 17

North 2010-13 13 59 43 2

DragonFinder* 2014-18 26 41 17 14

South Lanarkshire 2016-17 6 5 0 2

Renfrewshire 2018-19 3 3 3 2

TOTAL 146 70 37

19 19 Adders in Scotland their study and conservation

by Dr Chris McInerny (University over 200 different individuals, with construction, of Glasgow) the total population across the whole no impact on site likely to be considerably larger. animals or a Scotland is fortunate in having, in Healthy populations of both slow- reduction in the some areas of the country, large worms and common lizards are also population size numbers of reptiles and amphibians. present, and appear to co-exist with was observed. The adder, the only native snake the adders. Encouragingly, highest Population numbers remained stable, species, has a fragmented numbers of snakes are in areas close and the courtship, mating, and birth distribution throughout the mainland, to human developments, in managed of adders, was observed just metres but is also found on some west coast open woodland. Crucially, the snakes from the construction corridor. islands, from Arran north to Skye. and their habitat are protected, I have monitored another population Living and working in Glasgow I have showing how this shy and beautiful of adders near Loch Lomond present been fortunate to study populations reptile can live alongside humans. on a golf course, to examine the of adders around Loch Lomond for The long-term study these adders effects of such a different type of many years. This work has revealed and their habitat requirements managed habitat on the snakes. large numbers of snakes, much allowed the completion of a Long-term monitoring has revealed interesting information about their successful conservation project at stable numbers, with the population life cycles and, most importantly, the site. This was required to protect apparently stable. This is yet another provided knowledge about their the reptiles during the construction example of snakes living alongside habitat requirements in Scotland, of a hydroelectric scheme which humans, to the benefit of both. which has informed conservation passed through an area with high action and practices. These studies have also informed reptile densities. Through careful the understanding of habitats where One of these populations of adders mapping of reptile distributions adders, slow-worms and common on the shores of Loch Lomond is before, during and after the work, lizards are found in Scotland, present in open areas in native the erection of reptile -roof fencing allowing the identification of similar woodland. Systematic monitoring around the development, and sites and new reptiles populations of the site since 2012 has revealed the removal of animals during in the Loch Lomond National Park,

20 Photo: Chris McInerny and elsewhere in the country. Important habitat features for reptiles include south and west-facing slopes, with mixed stands of bracken, gorse and bramble, often with wet areas nearby. Such sites can be found on moorland and in mosses, but are also present in open areas of woodland, where highest densities of reptiles are present. Such habitat is widespread in Scotland, and it is hoped that recognising its potential value for reptiles will allow more populations to be discovered, an essential first step in Photo: Chris McInerny their protection and conservation. day conference was organised by the meeting can be found at https:// As part of our effort to encourage The Glasgow Natural History Society, www.glasgownaturalhistory.org.uk/ the conservation of reptiles and held in June 2018. Its title was The gn27_supp.html amphibians in Scotland myself and Amphibians and Reptiles of Scotland: I continue my studies of reptiles Pete Minting created a book The current research and future at Loch Lomond. We very much Amphibians and Reptiles of Scotland challenges, with speakers attending hope that increased understanding which was published by The Glasgow from around the UK. A significant and awareness of these wonderful Natural History Society in 2016. part of the conference was the creatures in the wider community A free digital version of the book involvement of Scottish Natural will encourage their appreciation and can be downloaded at https://www. Heritage who consulted delegates protection, as an important part of glasgownaturalhistory.org.uk/books. about the creation of a strategy for the Scottish fauna and landscape. html (hard copies are also available the conservation of amphibians and for purchase; please email me, reptiles in Scotland. An issue of [email protected] address below). The Glasgow Naturalist containing papers based on the talks given at Following on from this book a one-

Photo: Chris McInerny

Photo: Chris McInerny 21 There were always tadpoles...

by Gordon MacLellan (Creeping (mostly palmate) newts. There that I can accommodate (4 axolotls Toad and Froglife trustee) were toad colonies tucked away in at the moment and a 3rd generation flooded quarries. For an optimistic colony of aging fire-bellied toads). There was a season that ran from young zoologist, there is little that the day of the First Frogspawn*, It is also there in words. During can match the sheer glory of a first through the Newly Hatched weeks Froglife’s Year of the Toad, I started encounter with Great Crested Newts and, the Quietly Deep to First a Telling Toads project that slipped in breeding splendour, taken from an Legs and Froglets. Growing up in quietly into hibernation but as this almost legendary pond “at the top of , one of Scotland’s new summer unfolds and toadlets hop Red Fox Valley”. towns, I lived in a landscape of fresh out onto the grass, maybe readers of concrete, excessive pebbledash and For years now, I have worked as Natterchat would like to put pen to hidden treasures of pondlife. a freelance artist and storyteller: paper or fingers to keyboards and tell finding ways to help people explore us why amphibians matter to them. The new town grew by swallowing their own relationships with the world You might write a story, recount an farms and while the farm houses and around them. That early amphibian anecdote, relate your best amphibian other buildings were largely gone odd fascination may not be so obvious experience, write a poem. bits of the agricultural landscape did (apart from the business name) but it survive. There were small woodlands Poems are good. Poems deal in is still there. It is there in the places of mature trees, silted up bridges and emotions and images, finding I have to check out when I visit the old ditches and ponds tucked away words that catch the moment, not site of a new project. It is there in the into corners. Among the mounds of sentences. With poems you can play refuge my house offers any exotic discarded soil and building rubble of with words. amphibians that need a haven and the new town, new ponds appeared. Mature or transient, there was water and the invitation to water-life to colonise. There were frogs and delighted days spent lying on grass staring into ponds. A chance to build first name relationships with all manner Examples: of classic pond creatures from great diving beetles to sticklebacks, Cinquain dragonfly and mayfly nymphs to the careful, wonderful camouflage Flowers of caddis. The wonder of a palmate Feed bumblebees newt suspended in mid water, Leaves feed snails and slugs while sinking slowly with delicate toes A garden is a cookbook for outstretched, enchants me to this A toad day.

Ponds were not cared for. The Fib evolving new town largely ignored its aquatic resource, letting those Scots Frog pools and ditches thrive in their Ane forsaken corners. There were Wee healthy populations of frogs and Puddock All alane In an auld dry stank, Watchin’ clouds an’ hopin’ fir rain 22 There are as many ways of writing Toad blog and if we gather enough * It still is. Hopefully with perhaps poems as there tadpoles in a pond exciting pieces, we’ll turn them into a bit more maturity but no less but a couple of suggestions follow. a downloadable collection of new enthusiasm. I still mark the first day If you send any pieces of writing poems and stories about amphibians of new frogspawn. through to toadwords@btinternet. (reptiles are welcomed in too!) There were always com, they will appear on the Creeping tadpoles...

Some starting points for frog poems or toad words

Here are structures: frames to hang Haiku: a familiar form from too many abandon tightly planned syllables and a frog-poem around if you want some school lessons, but haiku are a good write as the heart wants. help to get started... way of planning your own words. Fibs: based on the Fibonacci Look for 3 lines. Conventionally, Acrostic: write the name of your sequence that shapes the spirals of the first has 5 syllables, the subject down one side of a piece of Nautilus shells and seed patterns in second 7 (these two lines are often paper. Then use each letter to start a sunflowers, a fib poem has a series observations of the natural world), line (1 word, 2 words, more) of counted syllables. Lines should the final line comes after a pause run: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 syllables (keep Cinquain: a more structured form, and may be a reflection upon the going: can you work out the number counting syllables...your poem should observations or a reaction to them. sequence?) have 5 lines with 2 syllables in the Breaking convention, some haiku first line, 4 in the second, then 6, keep the 3 line form and the mix Now go for it! then 8 then 2 to finish... of observation and reflection but

Photo: David Murray Greer 23 22,000 people demand a SCOTTISH ENVIRONMENT ACT

by Miriam Ross (Campaign plant species within one square protections coordinator, Fight for Scotland’s metre. stem from Nature) membership Scottish seas make up 61 percent of the EU, and “Nature gives us everything we of the UK total and are home to campaigners need and everything we have so it internationally important populations fear that would be mad not to have laws to of dolphins, whales, basking sharks, unless these protect it.” So wrote Jade, aged 11, to grey seals and seabirds. They are are replaced Scotland’s First Minister this spring. a global hotspot for diverse seabed and built upon through domestic habitats such as coldwater coral Jade, a pupil at Sunnyside Primary legislation, Brexit could spell disaster reefs and inshore flameshell beds. School in Glasgow, was one of more for Scotland’s nature. than 22,000 people who wrote But for all its beauty and diversity, Thirty-seven charities, including to Nicola Sturgeon calling for a Scotland’s nature is under threat, Froglife, launched the Fight for Scottish Environment Act to protect with one in 11 species at risk of Scotland’s Nature campaign in Scotland’s land, seas and wildlife. extinction. Damaging land use November last year to gather support All were responding to a Scottish practices, along with climate change for a Scottish Environment Act. Government consultation on how to and pollution, are major problems. The campaign is gaining significant protect Scotland’s environment after Scotland is on track to meet only traction, with a growing number the UK leaves the European Union. seven out of 20 global biodiversity of businesses, community groups targets by 2020. Scotland is renowned for its stunning and more charities lending it their landscapes, from Caledonian pine As if those threats weren’t enough, backing. forests and coastal grasslands to Brexit now risks dismantling the The campaign calls for three things: freshwater habitats and wetlands. protections that help Scotland an independent environmental The machair of the coastal north- safeguard its natural environment. 80 watchdog, legally binding targets west can contain up to 45 different percent of Scotland’s environmental alongside financial resources, and

Photo: Lister Cumming 24 key EU environmental principles embedded in Scots law. 2019 has seen renewed public focus on environmental issues globally, with citizens demanding that governments stop dragging their feet and start making the transformative changes necessary to prevent climate breakdown and ecological collapse. The Scottish Government is clearly listening - earlier this year it promised Scotland would reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, reversed plans to cut air passenger duty, and announced a deposit return Photo: John MacPherson system for drinks containers. Will it have the courage to bring forward an Environment Act that will commit it to protecting Scotland’s nature for future generations? We’re determined to keep up the pressure to make sure it does. Harris, another of the Glasgow children who wrote to Nicola Sturgeon, told her, “I am only 10 years old and I feel very worried about what’s happening to nature. It’s not fair that children my age might never see the amazing wildlife that adults have taken for granted. Scotland needs strong laws to help Photo: Charlie Phillips stop this before it’s too late.” Find out more and get involved at: www.fightforscotlandsnature.scot

25 Come Forth for Wildlife

by James Stead (Come Forth for Wildlife Development Manager, Froglife) Come Forth for Wildlife will be Froglife’s next Pop-up Wildlife flagship project in Gardening Scotland thanks to a grant from the National Workshops Lottery Heritage Fund Many of us have gardens or (NLHF), along with funding local greenspaces that we could pledges from a variety make more wildlife friendly of other organisations. and our pop-up workshops aim Work on the project will to engage with people from start in September 2019 all walks of life offering tips, and will run for four years skills and techniques to create at 153 locations throughout the Habitat projects wildlife-friendly gardens. These Forth Valley (Falkirk, Stirling and pop-up workshops will take place in Come Forth for Wildlife will deliver busy centres throughout the Forth Clackmannanshire). It will act as a large scale habitat conservation work catalyst to encourage land managers Valley so anyone can join in with at 31 sites. This includes creation activities. to make improvements for reptiles, and restoration of 49 and 15 ponds amphibians and other wildlife in their respectively, and improvement to Neighbourhood gardens, plots or grounds. Public 23 terrestrial habitats. We will also engagement activities will run across be delivering 150 volunteer days, Wildlife Corridors the Forth Valley region and will equip working with 1,800 volunteers. Gardens are becoming increasingly participants with the knowledge, important as habitats for wildlife as skills and ideas to improve their own Wildlife Gardening wild areas and greenspaces are lost sites for wildlife. Citizen Science will Workshops to development. Wildlife-friendly form an integral part of the project, gardens can provide vital habitat with all participants being shown how Wildlife gardening workshops will links for our species especially if to record their data on the Froglife introduce people from therapeutic they connect to country parks and Species Recording App. This will gardens, allotments and community nature reserves. We will be working provide much needed data on species gardens to the principles of wildlife with residents in the Forth Valley, distributions in the Forth Valley, gardening, allowing them to share supporting them in creating wildlife- which will inform conservation skills and create wildlife-friendly friendly spaces in their local area. management plans for the area. features in their own spaces. 26 Photo: Peter Christie

pond creation and management. Mapestry Training Courses They will help troubleshoot problems, We will be working with communities Free training courses will be held answer questions about ponds and to create a tapestry map for each throughout the region to teach offer general advice. month of the year, depicting the people about identification and heritage of the Forth Valley. The survey techniques for amphibians Virtual Reality tapestries will be made up of peoples’ and reptiles, and habitat management Exhibitions images of wildlife, local landscapes techniques. Our virtual reality exhibitions allow and attractions which are important people the chance to experience life to them. Once completed the Pond Doctor as a toad, coming face to face with mapestry will go on a two year tour Pond doctor stalls will be set up at some of the dangers they face. of publicly accessible venues across busy events throughout the Forth the region. Valley, where Froglife staff will be Traineeships available to offer their expertise on Froglife will be offering two 12 month paid traineeships during the project. Trainees will be involved in Number of Audience Activity all aspects of the project, learning Events Reach many skills in the workplace sure to aid them in their future conservation Wildlife Gardening 60 480 careers. Workshops Pop-up Wildlife 12 900 Gardening Workshops Mapestry 24 624

Mapestry Tour 17 60,000

Pond Doctor Events 44 2,880 Virtual Reality 10 8,800 Exhibitions Training Courses 20 240 * Ongoing Neighbourhood promotion 22,280 Wildlife Corridors throughout project Volunteer Days 150 1,800 Total Reach 98,004

27 Species Champions standing up for Scotland’s wildlife

by Calum Langdale (Species safeguard Scotland’s most iconic and and engagement Champion Co-ordinator, threatened wildlife. activities in locations ScotLINK) across Scotland. The Coordinated by Scottish Environment experiences of MSPs The Species Champions initiative LINK, a network of over 35 are brought back into Parliament, is a well-known and much-loved environmental charities operating where Parliamentary Questions, project which aims to raise in Scotland, it pairs Members of the Motions and Debates are used to awareness and promote action, to Scottish Parliament (MSPs) with a promote action and push for positive suitable species environmental change. and a LINK member organisation. A diverse range of Scotland’s most threatened, endangered, charismatic The initiative and loved wildlife is represented offers MSPs the in the initiative, this includes six opportunity to get amphibian and reptile species, five of out of the office which are hosted by Froglife. These and experience species are: slow worm, common Scotland’s nature. toad, natterjack toad, great crested MSPs visit and newt and common lizard. meet their species, participating in While fun and light hearted, the conservation work, initiative ultimately looks to address Image 1: Bruce Crawford MSP, Species Champion for research, education failing environmental policies and slow worm speaking about his species in the Scottish Parliament Chamber.

Photo: Michelle Branson

28 increasing threats on our natural on safeguarding Scotland’s environment by highlighting the environment. At a time need for habitats and species to be when environmental issues better protected, for the benefits are increasingly brought of a thriving natural environment to the fore, the need to to be considered in all aspects of have informed, passionate decision-making. With almost one and supportive MSPs in in eleven species in Scotland at risk Parliament ensuring our of extinction, political support for wildlife has a voice has protecting our natural environment never been more critical. has never been more crucial. A The initiative is key to recent report by Scottish Natural helping environmental Heritage highlighted that only seven charities change laws and out of twenty global biodiversity policies in Scotland for targets are currently on course to the benefit of our nature. be met in Scotland by the deadline in Image 2: Emma Harper MSP, Species Looking ahead, we hope 2020. Champion for natterjack toad showing support that Species Champion for her species. Since its launch in 2013, the Species MSPs will help us drive Champions initiative has gone from change, whether this is informed and passionate debate in strength to strength, recruiting more taking action to combat climate the Chamber, insightful engagement and more willing MSPs. Today, there change, restoring our natural visits and the opportunity for proud are 104 Species Champions, which environment, generating more nature MSP Species Champions to become is 81 per cent of all MSPs in the friendly farming practices or bringing committed voices for our amazing Scottish Parliament. about a Scottish Environment Act. wildlife. The success of the initiative is In pursuing these objectives, there To find out more about the initiative, not only measured by the number will always be room for the Species please follow @specieschampion on of MSPs involved, but also the Champions initiative to tap into the Twitter or visit scotlink.org. influence Species Champions have lighter side of parliamentary affairs;

29 Photo: Craig Mackay

30 WILDLIFE IN WINTER Scotland is home to a diverse range be vital. If possible, keep pets indoors of wildlife and rare species which can at this time and think about putting be found all over the country, from out extra feeders during cold snaps birds of prey and land animals to the to reduce queues. sea life around the nation’s coasts. Hibernating amphibians and There’s always something to see. hedgehogs are also at risk from As the temperatures begin to drop ordinary activities such as garden the big challenge facing wildlife is an maintenance. If you do discover increase in their need for calories hibernating animals gently replace and a reduction in the hours available the soil or other material so that to gather them. Add in bad weather they can hibernate safely and be and the increased competition particularly careful when building as animals move to reliable food bonfires. sources and it’s easy to understand Squirrels and smaller rodents will how winter survival is so difficult. be present throughout the winter, It’s not only the wildlife in Scotland Scottish gardens especially are likely that need an extra hand at this time to be lucky enough to encounter of year, as the weather begins to rare visitors such as red squirrels turn we can all do our bit to help and pine martens that are attracted our garden wildlife by providing either by the food being offered, or foods that are high in energy, a the creatures that are eating it. reliable source of clean water for Birds are much more active and we drinking and bathing, and minimising are all likely to see winter migrants. disturbance of feeding or hibernating Some will have travelled thousands animals. of miles to escape the harsh weather Foods rich in calories, such as in Iceland, Scandinavia or Russia, sunflower hearts, peanuts (from a while others may be local birds from safe source) and fat cakes can be the surrounding countryside, driven vital for a range of garden wildlife, into our gardens by lack of food in most noticeably birds, but in late the countryside. Scottish gardens are autumn and early spring hedgehogs likely to see Bramblings, Siskins and will be desperately trying to lay Lesser Redpolls as well as fieldfares down sufficient reserves to survive and redwings. their winter hibernation. With the CJ Wildlife are proud to be working exception of bats, other mammals in partnership with Froglife. For will need to eat every day, so hints and tips on making the perfect providing supplementary food can be wildlife garden this spring, visit www. a real help to a range of wildlife. birdfood.co.uk or call FREEPHONE For birds the short winter days make 0800 731 2820 to find out more. life particularly difficult, so high Plus as a Froglife supporter, you can energy foods and the opportunity to save 10% off when you buy from CJ feed without disturbance in the first Wildlife, simply use discount code and last hour of the day can literally UKFROG18 when you order. 31 To order visit www.froglife.org/shop Froglife is frogalogue or call 01733 602102 supported by

We have a range of cards, books and gifts for all occasions in the online Esmee Fairbairn Foundation ~ The Froglife shop at www.froglife.org/shop. All funds raised support our National Lottery Heritage Fund ~ City conservation and education work. Building Trust ~ BBC Children in Need ~ Hugh Fraser Foundation ~ Fenland District Council ~ Natural England ~ Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust ~ Froglife Shop stocks Field The Hospital Saturday Fund ~ London Catalyst ~ Hillingdon Community Fund Study Guides why not hop ~ Cambridgeshire Community Fund across to our online shop to ~ Life Changes Trust ~ EB Scotland see what’s in stock prices Limited ~ Scottish Natural Heritage start from 3.00 £ ~ Green Infrastructure Scotland ~ Tesco Bags of Help ~ Zoological Society of London ~ John Ellerman ~ Peterborough City Council ~ The Gannochy Trust ~ The Robertson Trust ~ Volunteering Matters ~ The Hedley Foundation ~ Veolia Environmental Trust ~ Postcode Local Trust ~ The Give Froglife Friendship as an extra special Hedley Foundation ~ The Bromley gift to someone you know who cares about Trust ~ The Gibson Charitable Trust ~ frogs (and all amphibians and reptiles!...). The Montague Panton Animal Welfare As well as knowing your contribution is Trust ~ Enovert Community Trust ~ going toward the conservation of the UK’s The Environment Agency ~ Chapman amphibians and reptiles your friend or family Charitable Trust ~ Cambridgeshire and member will also receive a special pack. Peterborough Biodiversity Partnership ~ Greener City Fund Community Grant Scheme ~ The Ironmongers Company ~ Heathrow Community Fund ~ Waitrose ~ The City of Bradford Metropolitan Council ~ The Mickel Fund ~ Western Riverside Environmental Fund ~ Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust ~ St James’s Place ~ Somerset County Council ~ Biodiversity Challenge Fund (Scottish Support Froglife’s conservation work by sponsoring one of our species. £10.00 Natural Heritage) ~ Alex Moncur Trust ~ SWEAT ~ BLB Bequest Fund

Corporate Supporters: Get a leaping start Active8 ~ BillyOh.com ~ CJ to your Christmas Wildlife ~ Environmentjob.co.uk preparations by looking ~ Holidaycottages.co.uk ~ Stay in at our new card designs Cornwall ~ Value Nature Ltd fresh off the press. Cards Trustees: are sold in packs of eight Inez Smith (Chair), Roger Downie (Vice with two of each design. Chair), Frank Clark, Philip Wheeler, £3.00 Gordon MacLellan, Richard Donoyou For other great designs see Sam Draws Things and Silviu Petrovan. www.samdrawsthings.co.uk Volunteers: And finally, but certainly not least, a big thank you to all of our volunteers What would you like to see in our online shop? We are always especially all those toad patrollers who looking for new ideas for our online shop and we would like to did such a terrific job again this year. gather some input from our supporters and volunteers. If you have any ideas please email [email protected]