RAUK - Archived Forum - Planning a herp trip - need some help

Hello everyone. I came across this forum a few years ago whilst trying to find out more information about the differences between smooth and palmate newts. Since then my interest in reptiles and amphibians has grown steadily, and I have tried to see as many species as is possible in my area.

However, being based in East/North Yorkshire means that there arenÆt really that many species to see. IÆve seen common toad, common frog, smooth newt, palmate newt, great crested newt, slow worm, grass snake, adder, and the briefest glimpses of common lizard possible.

I qualified as a teacher last year, but havenÆt yet managed to secure a full time position, so, as of yet, I have just been supply teaching at any school that needs me. What this also means is that I have a certain degree of freedom to travel this year, and, ideally, IÆd like to travel and see as many reptiles and amphibians as I can.

Having seen the species outlined above, IÆm left with natterjack toad, smooth snake, sand lizard, and pool frog, all native species which I havenÆt seen. I have already organised a tour with a warden of a salt marsh nature reserve to see natterjack toad, which leaves the three species mentioned above. Of these three species, I *think* that the location of the pool frog reintroduction is being kept private û but I would love to be proved wrong! (Or deemed trustworthy enough to keep my mouth shut?)

In addition to these few native species, I also have quite the interest in introduced species, such as wall lizard, green lizard, Aesculapian snake, marsh frog, edible frog, green race of the pool frog, midwife toad, African clawed toad, terrapin species, bullfrog, fire-bellied toad, Alpine newt, Italian crested newt, and European tree frog.

I have recently found out that there is, apparently, a population of Marsh frogs at Tophill Low in East Yorkshire, so that could be struck from the list as hopefully I could find that myself. My attempts to see midwife toad at GoddardÆs Garden near York have been thwarted by recent cold winters, and it seems that population may have died out.

What I am trying to ask you is, in essence, for help in planning a trip in which I travel to see these species, if possible. The reason I need your help is that you are experts. You are going to have a much higher success rate at finding these species, and you will know your local haunts. You will also know the location of introduced species, which finding good locations for is harder than with native species. You may even be willing to show me these beautiful creatures if I manage to get this trip to go ahead.

I am willing to listen to any advice, IÆm happy to be told that some of the species are going to be impossible to see, I just want to try and see some amazing animals this year.

If anyone is willing to help me, then thatÆs wonderful and I really appreciate it. I think the best thing to do first is to try and get some locations down for these species, and I can start plotting them on a map. If anyone knows where two or more of these species may be found together, then that is even better.

Once again, thanks for reading, and thanks for any help or advice you can give me.