Posted on Friday 24th May 2024
A common lizard in Cannock Chase. Photo by Kevin Clarke.
Families are invited to learn all about the incredible amphibians and reptiles that live on Cannock Chase this May half term in an action-packed fun day.
The family-friendly amphibian and reptile day will take place at the Cannock Chase Visitor Centre on Thursday 30 May.
The not-to-be-missed event runs from 10am to 4pm and includes reptile safari walks guided by local experts from the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK).
There will be plenty of opportunities to spot common lizards and get a close look at tadpoles, newts and other pondlife.
Younger wildlife enthusiasts will also be able to immerse themselves in plenty of arts and craft activities, with an opportunity to create ‘magical clay adder amulets.’
Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said:
“This will be an incredibly fun opportunity to teach people about the fascinating and rare wildlife we have living on our doorstep.
“Cannock Chase is one of the few areas where reptiles like adders can still thrive along with common lizards, grass snakes and slow worms. It is this rich diversity that makes Cannock Chase so special.
“This is why the county council is providing ongoing support to ARG UK’s adder survey work. As part of our Natural Environment Strategy, we aim to have a plan developed for the species on our land by the end of 2025.
“I also want to take this opportunity to remind people walking through Cannock Chase to please stick to paths and keep dogs on leads to avoid disturbing wildlife.”
Dr Angela Julian, coordinator at ARG UK, said:
“We are looking forward to welcoming families to our special reptile day, to enjoy our child-friendly craft activities and find out more about the amphibians and reptiles that live on Cannock Chase.
“We hope we are lucky enough to be able to spot common lizards hiding in the grass, and we'll be pond-dipping for bugs and newts.”
The family amphibian and reptile day will take place at the Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, in Marquis Drive on Thursday 30 May from 10am to 4pm.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Staffordshire County Council is one of many local landowners participating in the Cannock Chase National Landscape Adder Conservation Programme led by ARG UK.
The partnership programme involves carrying out a survey for adders across Cannock Chase to understand how they use the landscape and what factors are affecting their numbers.
This will help to inform countryside officers how adders can be conserved through habitat improvement and increased connectivity.
Find out more about the survey here.