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Who are the BRARG?

We are the Brecknock & Radnorshire Amphibian & Reptile Group (BRARG for short!). A group of people interested in the conservation of these wonderful creatures gathered together in a room in Brecknock Wildlife Trust and reformed this group in November 2006.

What are the species we are interested in?

Our five native species of amphibian in Brecknock & Radnorshire are the Common Toad and Common Frog and three types of newt: Great crested Newt, Palmate Newt and Smooth Newt. Our four native reptile species are the Grass Snake, Adder, Slow-worm and Common Lizard. In Radnorshire there is a small population of the non-native Midwife Toad.

What do we do?

The group has five main aims:

1. To promote the conservation of all native species of amphibian and reptile and their habitats in vice counties 42 & 43 Brecknock and Radnorshire, and in Wales and the British Isles.

2. To establish and monitor the distribution and status of amphibians and reptiles, including introduced species, in vice counties 42 & 43 Brecknock and Radnorshire.

3. Where feasible and appropriate liaise with and provide advice on amphibians and reptiles and the management of their habitats to relevant statutory and non statutory organisations and agencies and the general public.

4. To foster an interest in amphibians and reptiles and their conservation and to develop the skills of those interested in these species.

5. To contribute to Local and National Biodiversity Action Plan targets for habitats and species

What have we done so far?

In 2007 the group carried out amphibian surveys for the National Amphibian & Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS). BRARG also carried out toad crossings on roads where toads had difficulties crossing, in 2009 we aim to work with Powys County Council and other partners to find solutions to these problems. Another ongoing project is the collation of slow-worm and adder records throughout Brecknock and Radnorshire. We have also carried out practical work parties to help on sites such as Penlan pond that need manual work to benefit the habitat and wildlife. For more information on work carried out so far please see the links down the right hand side of this webpage.

Our next meeting:

We have no no meeting planned at present as we are now well into the swing of survey season. Please phone any of the numbers in the further information box if you wish to talk about joining the BRARG

How can you help?

New members are very welcome and the group hopes to increase its numbers in order to carry out further survey work. If you feel this is something you would like to do or have a chat about please follow the link on the right hand side of this webpage.

If you are interested in finding out more about amphibians and reptiles generally please try these websites.

Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust

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