Habitat creation

Hi PondDragon.   The site is a small holding and the owner grazes it very lightly with a few sheep.  The field that the toad ponds are situated in has a lot of soft rush growing in it and the landowner will be cutting it late each year and adding to the egg laying sites.

Absolutely Suzy.  The lack of disturbance is a key element in the mix, and is why it is so vital to work wherever possible with private landowners.  We have more of a chance of increasing connectivity across considerable areas of what is otherwise predominately agricultural land by doing so also.  There are further landowners within a few km of the two sites mentioned above that are also keen to attempt similar projects, for that matter there are landowners from several counties across South Wales that are interested.   

Combined with similar working relationships/projects that ARC is developing with Local Authorities, Wildlife Trusts, The National Trust and other NGOs, there is the potential to increase connectivity substantially.  I am really hoping for an increase in the robustness and resilience of herpetofauna populations as a result, as they are going to need it!