Frogs, grass-snakes and great spotted woodpeckers: if you see any of these animals in your garden, then you can help one or more recently announced garden wildlife surveys.
The British Trust for Ornithology (
BTO), in conjunction with Radio 4's Shared Earth programme, is launching a new survey to find out more about great spotted woodpeckers (
Dendrocopos major) and how they use gardens. The survey aims to find answers to question such as why has the number of great spotted woodpeckers doubled since 1994? These birds are bold, bright and simple to recognise but what most people don't know is that the two sexes and also juveniles are really easy to tell apart. By taking a closer look at these colourful garden visitors and reporting your findings to the BTO you can provide valuable information for a new survey run by the BTO, in conjunction with BBC Radio 4's Shared Earth programme. Follow the link below to find out more about these birds and how to take part.
Have you seen a grass snake (
Natrix natrix) in your garden or allotment? During the summer months, gardens and allotments in England and Wales can become an occasional stop-off for the largest British reptile. Grass snakes are thought to be declining in many parts of the UK through habitat loss and as a result of cruelty. Encounters with these spectacular animals are often fleeting but they can offer plenty of vital information for better understanding of this species. If you have seen these amazing animals in your garden or allotment, why not take a few minutes to contribute this valuable information to a new survey being undertaken by Froglife - the conservation charity which concentrates on British reptiles and amphibians. To help, follow the link below.
The common frog (
Rana temporaria) is well-loved by many for its charismatic image and voracious appetite for garden slugs. But they provide more
than just charm; data obtained from your garden pond can provide very useful information on amphibian ecology, habitats and disease. Aspects of this information can be applied to all species of amphibian in the UK. Following on from its successful 2005 survey, Froglife is again asking gardeners who see frogs in their garden to help their work by completing a very simple questionnaire. To help, follow the link below.
