The review of the Species Action Plans for the original priority herpetofauna species (great crested newt, sand lizard, pool frog and natterjack toad) is now complete.

This work has been undertaken over the last year by the Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT and Froglife have since merged to become Amphibian and Reptile Conservation), SAP Steering Groups, representatives from Natural England, Countryside Council for Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage. These new plans replace the original plans, many of which were written in 1995.

Two, new, UK plans have been produced to cover the widespread species added during the BAP review in 2007 – adder, grass snake, slow-worm and common lizard (grouped under widespread reptiles) and common toad. The smooth snake is also a new BAP species, but due to similar habitat requirements etc, we have grouped this with the sand lizard plan (mentioned above).

The four revised, and two new, UK BAP Species Action Plans are available on the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’s website www.arc-trust.org/species/saps.php.  We will shortly add the ‘All Herpetofauna Plan (UK)’, which pulls all the actions into one plan and is colour coded for generic, and species-specific actions.

Note that the current plans are ‘national’ – so they include actions at country, regional and local levels.  If you’re working on a local plan you should refer to actions labelled as this level.  Also, note that Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is working on a guidance for different sectors in the Biodiversity Action Plan, and for those involved with implementing Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

The Species Action Plans will be reviewed in March 2010.  This review date will allow for any amendments to be made, and additional actions included.  We are keen to receive your input with this work, so if you have any comments (additions/amendments etc.) please contact me.

If I can help with any local BAP review or other matters please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Dorothy Wright

Great Crested Newt Conservation Officer

01202 391319, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it