Clyde Amphibian and Reptile Group (CARG) is recommencing the Greater Glasgow Pond Survey. The purpose of the survey is to assess the status of amphibian habitats and populations across Glasgow North, Glasgow South, East Kilbride, Paisley, and Barrhead. They are calling on volunteers, old and new, to make this season as fruitful as those past!
Several PNHS members have been involved in the past and found it very rewarding. As well as recording the numbers of amphibians you find you also survey the quality of the water and learn a lot about the invertebrates and plants that are there.
The initial surveys in March will occur during day-light and will assess frogspawn and pond condition. If possible, they also hope to have later night-time surveys for mating toads. Then, in late May or June for tadpoles and summer pond condition.
Training
Erik Paterson will be delivering a training session on the 4th March (18:00-19:30 GMT) for those with no or little experience and for those that would like a refresher.
If you are interested in contributing to the surveys, or joining the training please fill out this short questionnaire.
All surveyors will join CARG (cost £1.00) to be covered by ARG-UK’s insurance and should be aged 18 or over. All surveys will be carried out by groups of 2-3 to ensure safety, and each surveyor will read and sign a Risk Assessment Form. To help assemble survey teams, please let them know if you have someone you are keen to do the surveys with. For those lacking their own transport, they will try to ensure that survey locations are accessible by public transport, and they have funds to pay for travel expenses.
Please note that responding to this call for volunteers does not commit you to taking part, and that the later surveys will be optional, with the principal need being for day-time spawn surveyors in March.
Paisley Natural History Society 