Welsh Amphibians and Reptiles

13th - 14th September 2014

This weekend I attended an excellent course on the Ecology of Amphibians and Reptiles, delivered by Peter Hill who works for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), the charity dedicated to protecting these wonderful animals. Click here to learn more about ARC and the important work they do...


Peter showing us a slow-worm (Anguis fragilis)

The course was organised by Rose Revera of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and took place at Parc Slip Visitor Centre near Bridgend. As well as having very good training facilities (and an excellent cafe!) Parc Slip is a beautiful nature reserve where eight of the thirteen british species of amphibian and reptile can be found. Over the weekend we were lucky enough to be able to see most of them including many adders and common lizards...




Young Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)


Camouflaged adult Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)


Female Adder (Vipera berus)

Parc Slip is a large nature reserve with many different habitats and while were studying the snakes and lizards we came across lots of other wildlife. Below are photos of a few of my favourites. Click here if you'd like to know more about Parc Slip Nature Reserve and the various activities that take place there...


Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) and Knot Grass caterpillar (Acronicta rumicis)


Another Knot Grass caterpillar, having it's juices sucked out by a predatory Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens)