Wildlifevolunteers totackleponds

Tayside Amphibian and Reptile Group (TayARG) has received a cash boost from the Angus Environment Trust to improve a number of ponds in Perthshire for amphibians and other wildlife.

Amphibians need open water in which to breed and many ponds are gradually becoming overgrown with plants, meaning the habitat is less suitable for lots of water-loving wildlife.

The money will help with projects to clear Perthshire ponds, with the next volunteer day taking place on Sunday, February 25, in Murthly.

Project Officer Danièle Muir said: “Frogs, especially, like to spawn in open water so the Tayside Ponds Project will involve working with volunteers to clear overgrown vegetation and create pockets of open water.

“This will benefit many different species of wildlife – frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and damselflies among others.

“The volunteer days will be good fun, but wet and muddy so wellies and waterproofs are a must.

“TayARG will say thank you to all its volunteers when we end the day with coffee and cakes at a local café.

“Join us for our Volunteer Perfect Pond Day which takes place in Murthly at the pond on Kinclaven Road, which is a hotspot for frogs, toads and newts.

“Anyone interested in helping is welcome to come along on the day.”

Contact Danièle on taysideamphibians@yahoo.co.uk for more information and to book a place on the volunteer day.