Cumbria Amphibian and Reptile Group (CARG)

The Cumbria Amphibian and Reptile Group (CARG) is a voluntary group dedicated to raising awareness about these special creatures and helping to improve their environment. 

CARG Chairperson, Suzanne Collinson, told us a little more: 

'We're one of 45 independent county groups affiliated to the national charity Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK). We want to help reptiles and amphibians, but also show the important role they play in our ecosystem. 

Our activities include identification and survey courses, walks, talks and practical habitat creation and enhancement. This not only helps amphibians and reptiles, but also boosts our volunteers’ wellbeing by connecting people with a shared passion, providing an opportunity to make friends and allowing them to learn new skills.

Through the group’s work, we have seen an increase in people’s knowledge and an improved number of county data records. We’re creating more links with other county nature groups and communities, and with their support we’re improving environments and connectivity for amphibians and reptiles in Cumbria.'

Here's what CARG volunteers had to say: 

'I had little-to-no knowledge of amphibians or reptiles when I joined this group. I didn’t know the difference between a frog and a toad! But I knew I had some around the garden. Being part of the group helped me to identify them, and I feel confident that I now know what I'm looking at and how I can better help them thrive. It was clear from the outset that this group was bursting with like-minded people who had a real passion and interest in helping and protecting our native species and the environment they lived in. I found their passion contagious and was quickly hooked. I was welcomed with open arms!

If I were to say one thing that the group have done for me, would be how I approach my garden maintenance now. I was always mindful of wildlife when cutting back and moving pots etc, but now I am extra cautious about what I move and when I do it. I no longer cut the grass during the period that the toadlets are active in the garden. I am 100% certain that because of the group’s shared knowledge I have helped more amphibians who would ordinarily not have survived because of my ignorance. This group has been a real game changer for me.' KT

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'The group have a common goal and passion for our amphibians and reptiles, and through it I've met a wonderful bunch of friendly and sociable people that are like-minded.

I've helped with practical pond maintenance, amphibian surveys and at an outreach event, opening a whole new world of engaging with other enthusiasts, making friends and, of course, helping our native amphibians and reptiles.

The skills and advice I have picked up along the way have not only been put to practice in my own garden but have prompted me to return to education and study Zoology at degree level!.' JH
 

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