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The garden can be a hazardous place for amphibians and reptiles
- here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of harm to these
creatures…
especially if you've noticed froglets recently emerging from the
pond. Adult frogs too like to sit in long grass in the summer
months so carefully walk the area you're planning to mow before
you start. Most amphibians and reptiles in the garden should be
disturbed by your footfalls and will move on.
as the effects
of many of these on amphibians are still unknown. Even organic
products can disturb the natural balance of a pond. Amphibians
(and slow-worms) are excellent natural pest-controllers and
pesticides remove their prey, forcing them to hunt elsewhere.
of amphibians and reptiles in urban areas. Increase the number
of hiding places in your garden (such as rockeries, openings
around your compost heap or a pond) to help reduce the
likelihood of cats and other predators catching them.
can trap and kill wildlife. Grass snakes, in particular, may
become entangled in pond netting with a mesh size of less than
5cm.
during summer - on hot
days emerging amphibians can quickly dry out and die. In the
short term, temporarily cover these areas with a damp towel or
moist lawn roll to stop this happening and in future make sure
there is plenty of planting up to the edge of the pond.
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