Biodiversity

Local Habitat and Species Action Plans

Investigation of populations of amphibian life especially the great crested newt
Awareness raising and education on frogs and amphibians

The common frog action plan was chosen as people found they could identify with them and the life cycle of a tadpole to frog was seen as a good tool in education relating to ecology especially for primary schools
Amphibians were also incorporated as we have some valuable species in its wetlands including the nationally rare great crested newt. Amphibians are unique as they generally move, feed and breathe equally well on land and in fresh water
Recent studies have shown amphibians are generally under threat. Studies undertaken by the Global Amphibian Assessment show that up to 122 amphibian species have become extinct in the past 20 years due to poor environmental conditions and disease

The UK and Regional Habitat Action Plans for amphibians cover the great crested newt. The common frog is not listed
We have no survey data on the common frog however recent figures have shown we have a healthy population of great crested newts in the Beam Valley

Amphibians, especially the common frog, are prone to 'red-leg' disease, which has been a major cause of the decline in this species
Amphibians can be sensitive to disturbance. Land use activities such as drainage and the filling in of ponds can result in species loss
Amphibians breathe and drink through their skin. As a result they are very sensitive to exposure to chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides

The Pond Conservation Trust assists and supports pond building. It comprises of groups such as English Nature, the Environment Agency, The British Trust of Conservation Volunteers and the Wildlife Trusts. It provides a national focus for the conservation of ponds, particularly by undertaking practical conservation projects and research across the United Kingdom. It also aims to increase public awareness of the current problems relating to ponds
Froglife is a registered charity which works with volunteers, ecologists, government departments and the public to conserve the native amphibians and reptiles of Britain and Ireland
The creation of an action plan to be developed for enhancing the great created newt population in Beam Valley is being investigated

Ranger Services

The Millennium Centre

The Chase

Dagenham Road

Rush Green

Romford

RM7 0SS

Tel: 020 8595 4155

Fax: 020 8984 9488

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