Allotment holders have a chance to go hopping mad this weekend. Plot holders will be learning how to identify newts, frogs, toads, lizards and even grass snakes thanks to the wildlife charity FrogLife. The free session is part of a wider programme to discover what amphibians and reptiles reside within the borough and where.
"It's been really helpful having Frog Life provide their expertise in support of what the Bromley Biodiversity Partnership is trying to achieve and we’ve been able to make contact with residents who may not have thought about what they could do to benefit wildlife before or who just needed some advice.” said Steve Whitbread, the Council’s Ecologist.
Frog Life have already started to meet with various plotholders all across the borough to identify sites where different species occur or could be encouraged with relatively little effort. They are also keen to hear from other residents about sightings in their gardens.
"Although most people take on a plot to grow fruit and veg, it's amazing how many then gain a real interest in the wildlife their site attracts; especially when they learn just how beneficial some species can be.” said Samantha Doyle from FrogLife.
Our native amphibians and slow-worms are well known for their love of slugs, the number one enemy for many gardeners. Large compost or manure heaps can also provide ideal breeding conditions for grass snakes that help control bigger pests such as mice and voles.
The training session is running between 10.30am and 2.30pm at Dorset Road allotment site off Elmers End Road on Sunday 9 October. Anyone wanting to take part or wishing to discuss monitoring reptiles and amphibians in their garden or allotment should ring the Countryside and Parks Service on 01689 862815 or email Samantha Doyle at samdoyle@froglife.org.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4989, or Steve Whitbread, Ecologist on 01689 857037 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk.
