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1 April 2009
Amphibian and reptile hunt
Families take part in Cambourne event
The Wildlife Trust held an an evening talk at 7.30pm Tuesday 31 March on amphibians and reptiles in the county. The talk was followed by a torchlight walk to look for great crested newts in the ponds around Cambourne.
Cambourne has a large population of great crested newts, which are much bigger than the more common smooth newts that most people have in their garden ponds. Great crested newts are protected by law, and are illegal to handle without a license from Natural England.
The talk and walk was led by Laura Watson, from the Wildlife Trust, who holds a license and was able to bring the families who attended much closer to these creatures than would normally be allowed.
The event is part of a new programme of events for residents and visitors in Cambourne to help them discover more about the wildlife on their doorstep.
Jenny Mackay, cambourne reserves officer for the Trust, said: “In a recent survey of Cambourne residents and Cambourne Business Park employees it became clear that people really wanted to know more about the wildlife they have on their doorstep, so we have planned a series of events through the year to help them do this.”
At this time of year most amphibians, such as frogs, toads and newts, will be emerging from their winter hibernation and making their way to breeding ponds to find a mate. This is the ideal time of year to spot them before the vegetation becomes too dense.
For more information about future events in Cambourne, please email jenny.mackay[at]wildlifebcnp.org.