Written by Emma Byrne, Transforming Lives Trainee
March is an important month for the UK’s amphibian and reptile species. The general temperature is gradually warming, and as such, many of these species are coming out of hibernation ready to breed, feed, and explore their habitats.
Amphibians:
Frogs, toads, and newts are on the move!
Common frogs and toads migrate in large numbers towards their breeding ponds, with many crossing roads in the process making projects such as Toads on Roads necessary. Male frogs can be heard croaking to attract mates, whilst spawn begins to appear in ponds. Smooth and great crested newts are also heading to the water where they perform spectacular courtship displays!
Reptiles:
The only venomous British snake, the adder, emerges from hibernation as days lengthen. Males have been observed lying out in the sun, a behaviour that allows them to build up energy before shedding skin prior to breeding season. Other reptiles, such as grass snakes and slow worms, also awaken but bide their time waiting for even warmer weather to descend.
March is the perfect month to get outside and begin looking for amphibians and reptiles in the wild! If you happen to see any, please register your sighting on our free Froglife Dragon Finder App.
For some amphibians, February marks the beginning of their habitual migration to their breeding ponds. Male 
Generally, there is a degree of variation in when a member of a species may exit brumation, in part influenced by regional variation in weather, where earlier activity may be observed in more southerly regions. A further notable impact on this transition is our ever-changing climate. Our winters are becoming milder and less predictable, leading to our amphibians and reptiles exiting their dormant state prematurely. This early emergence can be dangerous, as it can leave the animals exposed to unpredictable weather, such as cold snaps. Likewise, it can cause the expenditure of energy during colder periods which may be difficult to recoup as sources of food will be rarer.
With an unpredictable climate it can cause issues if newts, frogs or toads breed earlier with higher risks of frozen ponds, spawn and eggs. Being more active over winter could also have negative impacts on our species life expectancy- using up energy reserves when they would normally be brumating. Food sources will be scarce over the winter months, so feeding becomes harder.
November is here, bringing with it shorter days and colder weather. However, it’s not all doom and gloom; it also marks the month of Bonfire night celebrations! Spectacular firework displays, children gleefully waving sparklers in the air, everyone wrapped up in warm coats enjoying burnt jacket potatoes and hot chocolates, whilst huddled round the campfire; there is much to look forward to! 
How long they stay in the hibernacula depends on temperature. Newts usually emerge from brumation when temperatures reach over 5°C, so if it’s a little chillier than normal, they may take longer to appear. Great crested newts will continue to brumate until early spring.
As the autumn chill sets in and the warm summer days recede, our native amphibians and reptiles begin the next chapter of their yearly journey: seeking shelter in which to overwinter.
Amphibians mostly overwinter on land, though a minority may choose to do so in water. They can achieve this amazing feat due to the permeability of their skin, through which they can absorb water and oxygen; this permeability, however, means that amphibians require a moist environment. Amphibians may overwinter in abandoned mammal burrows, compost heaps, loose soil, under rocks, or the bottom of ponds. Reptiles prefer dryer environments in which to overwinter; this may include unused mammal burrows, dead tree stumps, or leaf litter.