Pond creation projects are often sited in nature reserves or other places where people are passionate about ponds with little thought to which species are likely to be benefitted by their creation.  Here at the Kent Reptile & Amphibian Group (KRAG) we wondered whether it was possible to create a tool that would help to identify the areas where pond creation would be most likely to benefit great crested newts (GCN).  To do this CORINE land cover data, which is freely available for all of Europe, and known records of GCN in Kent were used to create a landscape scale habitat suitability index for GCN in Kent.  This was achieved by comparing the types of land cover in km squares where GCN are present with km squares where GCN are not present but survey work has taken place to establish the types of land cover that are favoured by GCN.  This habitat suitability tool can be used to predict the likely presence of GCN at ponds where no survey work has taken place. 

This dataset was then combined with the number of ponds in each km square and distance from existing records to identify the squares that would be most likely to benefit GCN.  For example, a km square that had good terrestrial habitat and that was close to existing GCN records but had few ponds would be marked as a km square with a high priority for pond creation.  However, a km square with good terrestrial habitat, lots of ponds and GCN present would not be a high priority as adding additional ponds to an area that already has many ponds would be less beneficial to GCN.  The results were then used to create a map.

Key to map:
Red = Creation of ponds will reinforce existing population
Orange = Creation of ponds will reinforce existing metapopulation
Yellow = Creation of ponds will expand the range of GCN

You can download a more detailed report here.

KRAG are proud to announce that we will be hosting the annual ARGUK SE Regional Meeting this year.  The event will be held at the Chatham Maritime campus of Green wich University on Saturday, 19th November.  Tickets will be available from September 1st but for now put the date in your diary.

To download the flier click here.

It is that time of the year when people living near marsh frogs are alerted to their presece by the remarkable noises that they produce.  Here at KRAG we have just received this report from one of our members, Lucy Boyd.

"Last weekend I was staying on one of my favourite Kent campsites. Its not unusual for a weekend there to be accompanied by a chorus of croaking marsh frogs but I'd never managed to get a good clear view of them before. I usually only see their back legs dissappearing into the pond with a loud plop as I approach the pond. This time though, I was determined to get some good photos as the campsite is closing this year and I might not get another chance. I settled myself down by the edge of the pond and waited for the frogs to re-appear. Over the next hour or so I was treated to a wonderful display of amphibian behaviour including courtship and feeding. And all it took was a little patience!"

Thanks to Lucy for submitting the story and these amazing photos.  If you have seen (or heard) marsh frogs please let us know by submitting your records.