Written by Emma Byrne, Transforming Lives Trainee
This April 22nd, millions will take action for Earth Day 2025, rallying behind the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. This year’s focus highlights the need for renewable energy and urgent climate action—a cause that directly impacts amphibians and reptiles in the UK.
Climate change is rapidly altering habitats, pushing many species to the brink. Rising temperatures, habitat loss, and pollution are putting amphibians and reptiles at risk, but you can help!
How Climate Change Affects UK Amphibians & Reptiles
Warmer winters and early spawning risk – mild winters can trigger early spawning behaviour, making it vulnerable to late frosts.
Disappearing wetlands – amphibians rely on ponds and marshes, which are shrinking due to development and pollution.
Heat stress in reptiles – species like adders and slow worms struggle with extreme weather fluctuations.
What You Can Do This Earth Day
- Create a wildlife-friendly garden – even a small pond or log pile can support amphibians and reptiles. Find our tips for creating a wildlife-friendly space here.
- Reduce your carbon footprint – use less energy, cut plastic waste, and advocate for climate action.
- Join a conservation project – volunteer with Froglife to help protect habitats and species. You can find out more about our volunteering opportunities here.
- Speak up – share how climate change affects UK wildlife and encourage action in your community.
Earth Day is about using OUR power to protect OUR planet. Whether it’s a small lifestyle change or direct conservation action, every effort helps to safeguard nature’s most vulnerable species. How will YOU take action?
Meadows form an important component of our cultural heritage and history, their idyllic and peaceful landscapes inspiring literature, art, and folklore throughout the centuries, including works by Shakespeare and Constable. Likewise, these habitats present environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and water retention, which can reduce the impact of flooding, As with their cultural and environmental relevance, their ecological significance cannot be understated. Meadow grasses and flowers provide crucial food and shelter for many invertebrates. Pollinators, such as bees, derive nectar and pollen from wildflower meadows. Many caterpillars rely heavily on meadow grasses as a food source, like those of the Marbled White and Speckled Wood. These habitats also attract many species of mammals – from the tiny shrew to the grazing deer – who can utilise this environment to forage, shelter, breed, and nest. The presence of these mammals in turn entices birds of prey to meadows, such as majestic owls and hovering kestrels.
Other birds flock to this habitat, such as the goldfinch, attracted by the abundant seed heads, and the swallow, enticed by numerous invertebrates. And, of course, reptiles and amphibians can benefit greatly from meadows. Tall vegetation can act as excellent cover, and the presence of small mammals and invertebrates provides a food source for our native reptile and amphibian species.
