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How you can help amphibians
If you would like to help amphibians in your garden, here is what you can do:
- Create a pond that has gently sloping sides.
- Allow vegetation cover to develop around the pond's edges.
- Take care in sourcing pond plants - native plants are more beneficial and benefit more species than non-native & potentially invasive species.
- Do not stock your pond with fish.
- Create a compost heap and/or log pile.
- Allow grass to grow in meadows: closely-cut lawns are poor habitat for amphibians and their invertebrate prey. Meadows should be cut during the winter, and cuttings raked up and placed on a compost heap if possible.
If you need specific advice on how you can benefit amphibians, please contact info@balcombeecologicalsociety.co.uk.
Logging amphibian sightings
Please log all your sightings on iNaturalist with the following details attached:
- Image
- Species (we can confirm this for you if required)
- Location
- Date and Time
Alternatively, please email info@balcombeecologicalsociety.co.uk with the above details if you do not have iNaturalist.
We will then forward this to the Sussex Biodiversity and Recording Centre (your name will not be shared).
What to do if you see an injured reptile
Please contact the local wildlife rescue:
Rangers Lodge - 01403 379446 - Rangers Lodge Wildlife Hospital, Forest Rd, Horsham RH12 4TB.
Native Amphibians found in England
Common Frog β Rana temporaria πΈ
The common frog is the most widespread frog species in England. These adaptable amphibians thrive in habitats near suitable breeding ponds, including gardens π‘. In fact, garden ponds play a crucial role in supporting urban populations of common frogs, making them essential for their survival.
Image taken by Ethan McLaughlan.
Common Toad β Bufo bufo πΈ
The common toad is a widespread amphibian found throughout England. Unlike common frogs, they prefer deep water for breeding, which means garden ponds may not always be suitable unless they are sufficiently deep.
Image taken by Ethan McLaughlan.
Natterjack Toad β Epidalea calamita πΈ
The natterjack toad is a rare species in the UK, confined to coastal sand dune systems ποΈ and sandy heaths ποΈ. Unlike other toads, they are not found in gardens.
Image adopted from the BBC.
Smooth Newt β Lissotriton vulgaris π¦
Smooth newts are widespread throughout England and are often found in garden ponds π‘πΏ. Their adaptability makes them one of the most commonly encountered newt species in both natural and urban environments.
Image taken by Dan McLaughlan.
Palmate Newt β Lissotriton helveticus π¦
Palmate newts are most commonly found in the South East and South West of England. They thrive in shallow ponds on acid-rich soils, which makes their ideal habitats heathlands ποΈ, moorlands ποΈ, and peat bogs πΏ.
Image adopted from The Wildlife Trusts.
Great Crested Newt β Triturus cristatus π¦
Great crested newts (GCN) are widely distributed across England. As the largest native newt species, they require large ponds or lakes π to thrive. Due to this need, they are not commonly found in gardens.
Image adopted from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Legislation affecting amphibians
In the United Kingdom, all native amphibian species are protected by law, with protections varying depending on the species. Below is a summary of the key legislation and safeguards:
1. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1984 (Schedule 5)
Under this Act, all native amphibians are protected from specific harmful activities. The following species are protected against sale, trade, or advertising for sale:
Common Frog πΈ
Common Toad πΈ
Smooth Newt π¦
Palmate Newt π¦
2. Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
The great crested newt and natterjack toad receive additional legal protection under this regulation, as they are designated as European Protected Species (EPS). Their protections include:
Deliberate capture, injury, or killing
Disturbance (including during breeding or resting)
Damaging or destroying their breeding/resting sites
Obstructing access to their sheltering places
Possession or sale of the species
Additionally, surveying for these species requires a license.
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