Tail Enders

Build a Hibernaculum

Hibernacula is the name given to winter refuges that animals use to hibernate inside. They take the form of underground or above ground chambers and can easily be added to your garden, in a carefully considered location, by following these simple steps. If you decide to give this a go in the late winter months be careful not to disturb any creatures who may still be hibernating.

You will need:

Rocks

Bricks

Logs

Seeds and/or turf Sticks

Drain pipes - cement is preferable to provide a grippy surface. If using plastic, gently roughen the inside using sandpaper leaving no sharp edges. Spade (if digging the underground version)

Branches

Enders Tail

Step 1

Choose a sunny, flood free spot. If the soil is dry, with good drainage, dig your hole about 50 cms deep and at least a metre wide. 1.5 metres is preferable. If you have clay or wetter soil you will need to create your structure above ground, ideally on a gentle slope to avoid saturation.

Step 3

Add some amphibian and reptile friendly features to your garden, if you haven’t already, to welcome your guests.

Step 2

Fill the hole securely, with the materials you have gathered, to avoid collapse. Leave lots of gaps and spaces for animals to crawl in to and slot your drain pipes in, making sure the pipe entrance is at ground level. Cover the hole with soil and pile up to about 50 cms to make a mound. Scatter your seeds or lay turf across the top.

If constructing above ground, make a secure pile with your materials, leaving gaps for animals to crawl in to and entrances around the outside, not too big or it will be too draughty. Cover the mound generously with soil, lay turf across the top and scatter your seeds.

Meet the Team

James Anderson-Barr - Dorset Field Officer

What does your job involve?

Between September and March, when our nature reserves are effectively in hibernation, I work solidly on practical habitat management tasks in a team of six, predominantly removing scrub and pine from our heathland to keep it open, helping preserve it for the years ahead.

As spring arrives, the wildlife becomes more active and our native herps begin to emerge. The practical work eases off and my role becomes more focused on leading events and public engagement. Throughout the summer I conduct wildlife surveys, tree safety surveys, mentor work experience students and any other general reserve work that colleagues need assistance with.

Is there a typical day?

For the spring and summer months, not especially. I could find myself out before 7:30am conducting reptile surveys one day, out after dark wardening sites the next, or working events at weekends. It is very dependent on the day and the work load.

The winter is more structured. Come rain or shine, the team meet on site, wherever that may be, every morning for 9am. We start by discussing the management plan laid down for that site, what scrub is vital to leave in, potential hibernacula’s etc, find some safe burning sites, make external partners aware of our location and then get stuck in until we achieve what we have set out to do.

What do you enjoy most about working for ARC? What is your most memorable experience ?

What is your favourite herp?

The variety. I feel very lucky to have been doing it for the last six years . It’s that variety and somewhat unpredictability of the job that keeps me very content. Personally, because I don’t remember seeing my first snake or lizard when I was young, I’m now enjoying the opportunities I get to show my daughter wildlife first hand, and see her reaction.

Last summer I had to go out to survey some trees, I took her along with me and after we’d finished we went for a walk out on the heath. We saw loads of stuff (tracks, poo, prints), but the highlight was finding a smooth snake, and seeing her face light up as she looked closely at its eyes and tongue and scales, it made me very proud. She is now an expert spotter of lizards, particularly the wall lizards near the beach and loves leading her mates on wildlife walks to find them!

That’s a tough question but I do have a special affection for adders. They are species that never fails to make me go, ‘Ooooh!’

Did you guess the answers to last issue’s Herp Answersmash?

Question

Specialist study of the skin and its diseases?

Answer:

Addermatology

Question

Indian dish of curried meat, typically lamb, in a rich tomato-based sauce? Answer: Common Frogan Josh

Question

Children’s TV series in which celebrities read out stories?

Answer:

Natterjackanory

Enders Tail

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is a national wildlife charity striving for a world where amphibians and reptiles are safeguarded for future generations. With over 30 years experience in the wildlife sector we are committed to the conservation of frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards and the habitats on which they depend.

To find out more or to support Amphibian and Reptile Conservation contact:

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 744 Christchurch Road Boscombe Bournemouth Dorset BH7 6BZ

Tel: 01202 391319 Email: enquiries@arc-trust.org

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Become a Friend!

Join Amphibian and Reptile Conservation today and help us give a voice to the UK’s amphibians and reptiles - saving species, improving habitats and enhancing lives in the process. It costs as little as £24 a year. Join online:

www.arc-trust.org/support

Or call 01202 391319 (9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday)