Get fit in 2012 and help our amphibian and reptiles at the same time!

A huge part of our volunteer work focuses on the management of our reserves, many of which are heathland habitat. Volunteers can get involved with the conservation and restoration of this special and endangered habitat on ten of the 45 sites in Dorset and on several site in the Weald. The regular practical tasks vary from week to week depending on the needs of a particular site, but the majority of the work is the removal of scrub and keeping the habitat in good condition, usually accompanied by a warming fire and lots of tea and biscuits - great on a cold winter's day!


Below are details of our upcoming workdays in Dorset and Weald, so come along and get involved! These dates maychange so please check here before turning up!

Dorset Volunteer Tasks

11th Jan 2012 - Ramsdown - Meet at Cottage Access off Avon Causeway, Grid SZ 133 974

18th Jan 2012 - Parley Common - Meet at Lone Pine Drive, Grid SZ 095 008

21st Jan 2012 - Town Common - Meet at Avon Causeway pub, Grid SZ 137 968

25th Jan 2012 - Lions Hill - Meet at Field Gate on Lions Hill Lane, Grid SY 105 039

7th Jan 2012 - Ferndown Common - Meet at Wimborne Road Car Park, Grid SU 065 006

15th Feb 2012 - St Catherine’s Hill - Meet at Gun Club Entrance St Catherine’s Hill lane, Grid SZ 147 951

25th Feb 2012 - Parley Common - Meet at Lone Pine Drive, Grid SZ 095 008

29th Feb 2012 - Dunyeats - Meet at Gravel Hill Rd in layby north of Dunyeats roundabout, Grid SZ 015 964

6th Mar 2012 - Ferndown Common - Meet by ponds on Pompeys Lane, Grid SZ 064 997

17th Mar 2012 - Noon Hill - Meet at the end of Noon Hill Road, Grid SU 099 088

22nd Mar 2012 - Ramsdown - Meet at Cottage Access off Avon Causeway, Grid SZ 133 974

29th Mar 2012 - St. Catherine’s Hill - Meet at Gun Club Entrance St Catherine’s Hill lane, Grid SZ 147 951

If you would like to join in with a task in Dorst or get more details and directions to the sites please contact: Richard Sharp on 01202 727983/ 07810 770565 or Richard.sharp@arc-trust.org. All tools, equipment and biscuits are provided. Wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring your own lunch. Tasks usually run from 10am until 3pm.

Weald Volunteer Tasks

8th Jan 2012 - Broxhead - Meet at lay-by on left third mile south of Broxhead/Linford Rd B3004, Grid 804377

22nd Jan 2012 - Kintail - Meet at DZ Public Car Park Truxford Lane, Grid 894012

5th Feb 2012 - Hankley Comez - Meet at DZ Public Car Park Truxford Lane, Grid 894012

19th Feb 2012 - Crooksbury - Meet at Forestry Gate, end Turners Lane opposite Donkey PH Elstead/Farnham Road, Grid 890451

4th March 2012 - Gong Hill - Meet at lay-by opposite site on Old Frensham Road, Grid 853437

If you would like to join in with a task in Dorst or get more details and directions to the sites please contact: Jon Webster prior to attending on 01903 245125 (mobile 07973 212474) or Rob Free on 01483 304016 (mobile 07810 184503). Please ensure you bring a packed lunch and warm/waterproof clothing. Tasks usually start at 10:00am.

For more information on volunteering with ARC and other ways you can help us visit our volunteers page.

Get ready for the Big Spawn Count 2012!

ARC has joined forces with Pond Conservation and Amphibian & Reptile Groups of UK (ARGUK) to launch the Big Spawn Count 2012! We hope to gain valuable information about the breeding success of Common Frogs and Toads by gathering data about frog and toad spawn counts in gardens ponds across the UK.

So if you see clumps of frog spawn or strings of toad spawn in your garden pond let us know via this online form.


For more information on the project and how to identify and count spawn visit the Big Spawn Count 2012 website.