Froglife

Leaping forward for reptiles and amphibians

You are here: Home / Archives for Campaigns

Campaigns

Open NGO letter responding to 7th QQR consultation.

by

28th January 2022

Dear JNCC, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and NatureScot,

Re: 7th Quinquennial Review (QQR) of Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)

We are writing this open letter in response to the consultation about proposed changes to the eligibility and decision criteria to determine which species will be included on Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as outlined in the 7th Quinquennial Review (QQR7) consultation document.

Since our previous letter sent in June 2021, we appreciate the extension made to the consultation period, the initiation of stakeholder meetings, the subsequent amendments made to the QQR7 proposals and the broadening of the consultation to include the eligibility and decision criteria. However, we stand by our original objections, notably that the definition of endangerment within the eligibility criteria must not be narrowed to exclude Vulnerable (VU) species.

  • Listing only Critically Endangered (CR) and some Endangered (EN) species is counter to the accepted notion that Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable species are all considered at risk of extinction.
  • All species in these Red List categories need urgent conservation action and attention
  • The proposal is counter to the aims of new Environment Act in England which aims to halt the decline of species by 2030 as well as the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, the Nature Recovery Action Plan for Wales and the Nature Positive 2030 report
  • Restricting the number of species listed on Schedules 5 & 8 will be detrimental to Great Britain’s biodiversity and efforts to restore it
  • Exclusion of species from the Schedules risks their status worsening before the next QQR, which is arguably more costly in terms of time and money required to restore Critically Endangered species thereafter. The more cost effective option would be to prevent less critical species reaching that point. This is particularly pertinent in the face of the current Biodiversity Crisis exemplified by widespread, once-common but declining species such as hedgehogs and toads.

Limiting the criteria to CR and EN species, and then making a series of ‘special cases’ for retaining selected species categorised as Vulnerable, Near Threatened and Least Concern, presents an inconsistent rationale that undermines the Red Data listing system. For example, the list of species proposed for retention on Schedules 5 and 8 includes 74 (roughly 25%) that would not meet the new eligibility criteria; this inconsistency surely weakens the argument for changing the criteria.

Whilst the eligibility criteria appear to identify species based on their conservation status and need, the proposed changes to the decision criteria will limit applications that have any positive conservation impact. The suggested definition of ‘place of shelter’ for animals appears to narrow the scope for interpretation of a species’ needs to survive:

  • The use of the word ‘permanently’ is inappropriately restrictive given that many species depend upon multiple sites to rest or nest, moving frequently (e.g. dormice, harvest mice) or lack clearly defined territories (e.g. hedgehogs)
  • The use of the word ‘regularly’ is unhelpful and ambiguous; without frequent and regular monitoring of sites, how will the regularity of the use of a site be established?

We would like formally to state our joint position that the proposed changes to the eligibility and decision criteria as defined for the 7th Quinquennial Review (QQR7) for adding species to Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are not fit for purpose. If adopted these changes would inevitably weaken efforts to address the current Biodiversity Crisis and undermine the new aims of the Environment Act in England. We urge you to adopt a new approach that is unambiguous and supportive of efforts to reverse declines in biodiversity, with broader criteria rather than making cases for exceptions.

We await your response.

Yours Sincerely,

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC)
Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK)
A Rocha UK
Badger Trust
Bat Conservation Trust
Biological Recording in Scotland (BRISC)
Black2Nature
Born Free Foundation
British Dragonfly Society
British Ecological Society
British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS)
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
British Trust for Ornithology
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Butterfly Conservation
Citizen Zoo
CPRE Kent, the countryside charity
Dumfries and Galloway Pine Marten Group
Freshwater Habitats Trust
Friends of Glasgow’s Local Nature Reserves
The Froglife Trust
Glasgow Natural History Society
Hare Preservation Trust
Institute of Fisheries Management
Knepp Estate
The League Against Cruel Sports
The Mammal Society
Marine Conservation Society
Naturewatch Foundation
OneKind
People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)
Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK)
Rewilding Britain
RSPB
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Salmon & Trout Conservation
Scottish Badgers
Scottish Wild Land Group (SWLG)
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Trees for Life
Wales Environment Link
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)

Wildlife and Countryside Link
Wild Justice
Wildlife Gardening Forum
The Wildlife Trusts
Wildlife Trusts Wales
The Woodland Trust
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

It is a COP OUT!

by

Froglife shares the frustration of many of our supporters that World Leaders did not set binding targets to keep global temperature rises below 1.5 degrees at COP26. We keep saying it is time to stop talking and to take action, yet once again World Leaders failed to do this. Reptiles and amphibians are disproportionately impacted by climate change and global warming. Here we are in November, approaching winter in the UK, and due to the mild weather, we are still receiving reports of amphibians spawning.  They should be hibernating and as they are not they will not have stored sufficient energy for the effort of spawning next spring. We cannot reach the 1.5 degrees unless we address the many other elements that are having a negative impact on climate such as coal mining.

Our leaders may have let us down and not taken negotiations far enough but so many more people are now on board and we have to take this movement further to push our governments to do more. 

We want to reassure all of our supporters that Froglife will continue with the battle to conserve the UKs reptile and amphibian species.  We will, through our extensive programme of habitat works, continue to create and restore vital habitats for the species that we represent.  We will continue our work in engaging with wide ranging audiences in order to ensure that as many people as possible can help us with this battle.

We appreciate the huge support that we got from our supporters leading up to and during COP26 and we will harness this support. We want to thank all of those who sent in their messages to world leaders. We are pleased with the outcome from the stand that we had in the green zone at COP26, where we certainly raised awareness of the importance of smaller freshwater habitats (ponds, ditches, small lakes and lochs).  We are thrilled to have heard from so many people who took direct action by building ponds and improving habitats to help our reptiles and amphibians.

We are better together and if COP26 highlighted one thing it is the global concern about climate change and urgency to stop the destruction of our world.  We cannot wait any longer for the 1.5 degrees target to be reached.  We must collectively continue to ensure that we reach this target.

Our stand in the Green Zone at COP26

Artists inspired by Scotland’s messages to COP26

by

A set of nine artworks depict why the people of Scotland care about the climate and nature emergency. This is part of a climate change campaign that has gathered support from people around Scotland to send a message to leaders attending COP26 in Glasgow.

Climate Scotland has collected over 7,000 voices from across the nation, to show that the people of Scotland want meaningful action to protect the things they love, and create a better future for people everywhere. 

Nine new mural artworks have been created to depict the messages of the people of Scotland gathered so far, and are on display at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens during COP26. 

Ida Henrich with her mural responding to Health and Wellbeing

The UN climate summit COP26 is a major opportunity to re-energise efforts to tackle the climate emergency. 

Through this campaign, everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to show how much they care about the climate and nature emergencies. The messages gathered online have been shared in the COP26 Green Zone and at the Scottish Government space at The Lighthouse, Glasgow.

Individuals visiting the Climate Scotland website are able to add their voice to the campaign by selecting a theme that is most relevant to them or by writing their own reason. The themes cover a broad range of perspectives, which are depicted in the artwork:

  • Flourishing communities 
  • Future generations
  • Greener, fairer livelihoods
  • Wildlife and nature
  • Sustainable food systems 
  • Protecting the world’s resources
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Beautiful places
  • Solidarity with global neighbours.

Ida Henrich, a freelance illustrator and mural artist based in Glasgow, said: 

“Alongside Kaitlin Mechan and Indrė Šimkutė, I am thrilled to have created these artworks for Climate Scotland. I believe that murals start conversations, and chats about topics we care about, often reveal that other people also care. I’m proud of the artworks we have created and can’t wait to share them with the public.” 

Indrė Šimkutė with her artwork that represents ‘Wildlife and Nature’

Over 40 non-profit organisations, including WWF Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Christian Aid Scotland and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), have come together to create the Climate Scotland campaign.

Anna Fowlie, chief executive at SCVO, said: 

“Thousands of Scots have spoken out about why climate change matters to them. They recognise that strong action is essential for Scotland’s nature, our health and wellbeing, and for future generations. SCVO is proud to be part of Climate Scotland, showcasing these messages in Glasgow during COP26 and demanding climate justice now.”

Aedán Smith, Head of Policy and Advocacy RSPB Scotland, said:

“1 in 9 species in Scotland is at risk of extinction. We must address this by protecting and restoring nature, increasing access to nature for everyone and making decisions that support nature, our climate and people. The Climate Scotland campaign is a way for people in Scotland to show how much they care about these things.” 

Sally Foster-Fulton, Head of Christian Aid Scotland, said:

“The Climate Scotland campaign is a fantastic opportunity for people in Scotland to show leaders and decision-makers that they care about our global neighbours. We stand together against the climate crisis, raising our voice as one to create lasting change and to ensure that communities are equipped to adapt and respond to the impacts of climate change.”

To add your voice to the campaign, visit climatescotland.org.

Making Your Voices Heard at COP26

by

Over the past few weeks we have been receiving all of your fantastic messages for world leaders which we will be sharing at COP26 on November 1st. It has been wonderful to see so many voices coming together to stand up for our planet, and we are delighted to be able to share your messages at COP26 and make your voices heard. Together we are powerful and we can make a difference. It is vital that the decision-makers who are supposed to represent us can hear us and know what we expect from them.

There has been far too much talking and far too little action in the fight against climate change, and time is quickly running out. We must take action on a large scale, but for this to happen, it is essential that world leader’s make the right decisions now. If we do not act soon, then we are risking entire ecosystem collapse and the destruction of our beautiful planet.

It may sound dramatic, but this is the real risk that humanity is currently facing. However, it is not too late to stop this from happening. COP26 is the final opportunity for world leaders to get it right, and we must do all we can to push them in the right direction. To all those who have sent us their messages for world leaders – thank you! We have received messages from people all over the UK and internationally, and it is wonderful to see so many people fighting for our planet. If you haven’t yet sent us your message for world leaders, please do send them to us here and let us make your voice heard!

These are just a few of the brilliant messages you have been sending in over the past few weeks!

“Life is breathtakingly beautiful and full of amazement: the change of a tadpole to the tiniest frog is something which brings delight, wonder and joy. Let’s think not just of ourselves but of generations ahead of us, seven generations on. How will they think of us? Will they bless us, this generation on the cusp of either devastation or renewal?  Or will they curse us?” Mary, Leeds

“Please restrict the power of big corporations, oil companies, industries. We need more, bold, effective regulations to steer our climate towards a less destructive direction. We all depend on your bravery, expertise, and experience. As a citizen I can just vote, vote with my wallet, and write messages. As leaders, you can do so much more. Please act before it’s too late.” Anna, Germany

“Money, power and politics mean nothing on an Earth that can’t sustain life… please remember that your decisions today will impact the lives of every being on this planet…” Charlotte, Planet Earth

“Please remember that our amphibians and reptiles will also be affected by our changing climate, in particular how their habitats and food are affected by the changes that come from more extreme weather and unpredictable elements. Ensuring our wildlife, including reptiles and amphibians, survive our changing climate is important because with them our ecosystems are healthier and will function better, and our lives (and generations to come) will be much richer for having them here.” Ed, Forest of Dean

“Do you want to look back on your time in office, and be remembered for doing all you could to save the planet, or do you want to be remembered for inaction and failure?” William, UK

The Power of Ponds – Froglife at COP26

by

This year COP26 is being hosted in Glasgow, and there is a lot of excitement building up for the long-awaited conference after it was postponed last year. With the climate crisis looming bigger than ever, and time for action rapidly running out, this is arguably one of the most important COPs to date. COP26 provides the perfect platform to discuss and debate, find solutions and set bold new targets, but most importantly we must use this momentum to start taking action now!

Here at Froglife we are excited to announce that we are one of the few organisations selected to run an Exhibition Stand at COP26. Our Exhibition will be a collaboration with the British Dragonfly Society, and together we will be highlighting the power of ponds! Ponds are a fantastic and highly under-rated tool in the combat against climate change. They are carbon sinks which means they reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and consequently reduce the effects of global warming. Ponds can store and absorb carbon at unexpectedly high rates, with many ponds even able to absorb carbon at a higher rate than woodlands1. It’s not just carbon either – ponds can remove all sorts of greenhouse gases from our atmosphere. For example, two thirds of farm ponds in the UK are nitrous oxide sinks2. Nitrogen is a component of chlorophyll which is often used in farm fertiliser. When fertiliser runs into farm ponds, the algae in these ponds absorbs the nitrogen before it is able to react with oxygen in the air to become nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas which can trap heat at 300 times the rate of carbon dioxide.

Ponds can function as carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, educational resources, and flood mitigation amongst other things. When creating new ponds, it is always good to be clear about why you are creating it and design and manage it accordingly. To gain maximum benefit it is best to create a network of multiple different ponds that serve for different purposes.

Research into the role of ponds in combatting climate change is very promising, and ponds are such a useful tool because they are also highly actionable, with many people able to create them in their own gardens and community spaces. This is why our Exhibition will focus on teaching people all about ponds. Our key element will be a fun, interactive model pond activity using two recycled container ‘ponds’ and a number of handmade pond props. We will be encouraging people to get stuck in and have a go at creating their idea of a ‘good’ and ‘bad’ ponds, prompting discussion around why ponds are important, and what makes a good pond.

Although our main focus will be on ponds, we will also be highlighting another important threat to biodiversity at COP26; wildlife road mortality. This is a significant issue that threatens wildlife globally, with the Common Toad being at particularly high risk in the UK3. We will be immersing people into this issue through our virtual reality technology which will allow participants to view the world through the eyes of a Common Toad attempting to migrate to its breeding pond. This thought-provoking activity will not only demonstrate the problem, but also the solution offered by wildlife tunnels! Read more on this issue here: www.froglife.org/t-o-a-d-campaign

Our Exhibition Stand at COP26 is an important opportunity for us to stimulate discussion and encourage and support people to take action at home. We also want to use our platform to make your voices heard! Please send us your message for world leaders and we will share these at COP26 through an interactive ‘pond dip’ (or ‘message dip’) activity, as well as displaying them on a large screen for everyone to see.

We are really excited to talk to people about the power of ponds at COP26. We will be in the Green Zone on November 1st, so grab your free Green Zone tickets and we will see you there!

References:

  1. Taylor, S., Gilbert, PJ., Cooke, DA., et al. (2019) High carbon burial rates by small ponds in the landscape. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. 17(1), 25-31.
  • Webb, JR., Hayes, NM., Simpson, GL. et al. (2019) Widespread nitrous oxide undersaturation in farm waterbodies creates an unexpected greenhouse gas sink. PNAS. 116(20), 9814-9819.
  • Petrovan, SO., Schmidt, BR. (2016) Volunteer Conservation Action Data Reveals Large-Scale and Long-Term Negative Population Trends of a Widespread Amphibian, the Common Toad (Bufo bufo). PLOS ONE 11(10): e0161943. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161943

Why is the Climate Emergency Important to Froglife?

by

Written by Kathy Wormald, CEO of Froglife.

Froglife is a wildlife conservation charity with a specific remit to conserve the UK’s native reptile and amphibian species and their habitats. Froglife is concerned about the impact that climate change is having on the UK’s reptile and amphibian populations. Globally, amphibians are declining at a faster rate than mammals and birds. These declines are being witnessed in the UK with Froglife research showing a 68% decline in the UK’s common toads (Bufo bufo) over a 30 year period. 

There are several reasons for these declines with climate change a major contributor. All of our species are dependent on good quality habitats and reliable climate/weather conditions. The most obvious/immediate way in which the climate emergency is affecting our species is in the increasingly erratic weather we are experiencing. This year’s prolonged drought in Southern Scotland (effectively no rain through June and July when amphibians need freshwater in order for young to develop) has led to many ponds drying out too early in the season. This has resulted in mass mortality of amphibian larvae. Our own habitat monitoring in Scotland and other regions of the UK coupled with the number of enquiries we have received from people across the country about either the lack of spawn/eggs or mass mortality of amphibian larvae or tadpoles, confirms this is the case. These weather conditions have occurred a few times over the last few years. 

Related to the nature emergency, our species rely heavily on insects for food, and there is international concern of severe declines in insect populations. With such a severe shortage of food sources, our species are struggling to survive, certainly this is the case at a population level, where vast numbers of insects are required to keep whole populations sustained. 

Scotland has so far largely escaped the effects on amphibians of chytrid disease, but aspects of climate change, such as higher temperatures, could begin to favour the spread of the disease. Immediate and urgent action is required now to stop these devastating declines of these species as they are a central part of our ecosystem. They are also a vital food source for other wildlife including birds and small mammals and are an excellent learning tool for young children learning about full lifecycles. Most importantly, they are a crucial part of our heritage and for their intrinsic value must be conserved for future generations to enjoy.  

Froglife is a proud partner of Climate Scotland.