Feature The Official opening of ARC’s new Pad! By Anju Sarpal - Communications & Outreach Manager & Angela Reynolds - Hop Gossip Editor After more than twenty years in rented accommodation, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) completed the move to a new Head Office in the heart of Dorset in July, funded from investment as a result of a generous legacy. The new office based on the ground floor of 744 Christchurch Road in Boscombe, Bournemouth has been refurbished throughout by the Trust and the official opening in November was marked by guests, comprising of ARC Trustees, staff and volunteers. All were thrilled to welcome ARC Patron, zoologist and BBC Springwatch presenter, Lucy Cooke who opened the new office by cutting a ribbon with a pair of loppers!
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Dr Tony Gent, ARC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our new Head Office provides a modern and inspiring space in which our staff, Trustees and volunteers can flourish and thrive. Celebrating our official opening with the help of ARC patron, Lucy Cooke was a fitting start to this new era. Thank you to Lucy for her enthusiastic support and we look forward to working closely with her in the future.”
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The afternoon event featured a presentation delivered by Dr Gent about ARC’s humble beginnings as The Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT), and the events which led to its creation. The PowerPoint included photos from times gone by of conservation work parties consisting of some of our current Trustees! A testament to the enthusiasm and loyalty of their lifelong passion towards the conservation of our British amphibians and reptiles. Lucy followed with an inspiring speech about how she came to be obsessed and enamoured with amphibians through watching David Attenborough’s documentaries and poking around in a ditch where she grew up! A real driver to a successful career was to tell the story of nature’s original and greatest explorers and highlight the real issues behind their decline worldwide.
