Coalface to Wildspace: Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire & the Lothians began in August 2026. Over 5 years we will enhance 14 large site for our native amphibians and reptiles; creating and restoring 85 ponds and creating additional features onsite for these species, as well as other wildlife.
Throughout these same regions we will also be working with local communities, groups and people to develop 9 Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridors, where further habitat creation and restoration projects will link to the larger sites for landscape-scale impact.
This project has a strong focus on engaging local communities with nature and conservation. We are particularly keen to work with those who have not engaged with wildlife conservation in the past and are keen to work with people to reduce or remove barriers to engaging with the project.
Why Coalface to Wildspace?
This project in Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire & The Lothians is part of Froglife’s wider Coalface to Wildspace initiative and, alongside Coalface to Wildspace: Yorkshire, follows the successful Coalface to Wildspace: Midlands that was completed in 2025.
Coalface to Wildspace is a conservation and community engagement project led by Froglife that will restore and create habitats for native reptiles and amphibians while connecting local people, communities and heritage sites through wildlife conservation.
We are working in post-industrial areas to improve habitats for local wildlife to thrive, particularly reptiles and amphibians. Each project will improve access to green spaces for local communities and create opportunities for getting out and involved in natural heritage, while strengthening ecological connections across the landscape.
Wildlife is in decline and habitats are being lost at an astonishing rate. The UK has lost 50% of it’s ponds and of those remaining 80% have been classified as being in a poor condition. 2/3 of freshwater life is dependent upon healthy pond habitats to survive and thrive. Through our work, Froglife is improving the number of and quality of ponds across the UK.
Local Workshops and Activities
- Nature Guardian Training – become an ambassador for wildlife by learning all about your local species and habitats, and how to enhance and manage green spaces for amphibians and reptiles at one of the 14 large habitat sites.
- Nature Trails – build bug hotels, bird boxes, hibernacula, log piles, wildflower planting and more.
- Wildlife Gardening Workshops – learn about our native amphibians and reptiles, how to enhance your greenspace for them and other wildlife, work with us to create a new habitat in your local greenspace.
- Mapestry – work with an experienced artist and the Froglife team to create fabric and textile artwork to be included in a Mapestry of your local area featuring our native amphibian and reptile species.
- Performance Art – amphibian and reptile theatre, dance, sound and movement sessions.
- Speaking Sculptures – hands on work with an artist to co-create a sculpture for your local Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridor, with a QR code link to nature-based sound and voice recordings.
Events
- 3D Film Tour – we will bring our exciting 3D Film showcasing
- Mapestry – our community created Mapestry showcasing amphibians, reptiles and other native wildlife will be installed in local built heritage venues for public viewing such as libraries, community centres, small theatres and museums.
- Celebration Events – 14 Celebration Events will be held at each large habitat site with FREE activities for local people to take part in such as reptile rummages, pond dipping and minibeast hunts. There will also be another chance to view our Mapestry during these events.
Getting Involved
All of the above Events, Workshops and Activities will be FREE to attend.
- Individuals, groups or organisations can add their space to the Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridor by creating a stepping stone feature for wildlife to move through the Corridor such as a pond, wildflower meadow area, insect hotel or hibernacula.
- Download our FREE DragonFinder App and record any sightings of any of our amphibian and reptile species to help us learn where they’re locally found. All records are verified by Froglife Experts and uploaded to the National Biodiversity Network Atlas.
- Download our FREE Pond Visualiser App to help explore creating new ponds and other habitats in your own garden or greenspace
- Request a Coalface to Wildspace: Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire & the Lothians Workshop for your local community group or organisation within the Neighbourhood Wildlife Corridor areas.
All of our public Workshops, Events and Volunteering Opportunities will be added to our Events Page.
Get In Touch!
If you’re interested in hearing more of getting involved in the project contact:
Louise Smith (Project Manager)
07985 566381
To stay updated about this project and the wider work of Froglife, sign up to our Croaks newsletter, or follow us on social media.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Coalface to Wildspace: Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire & the Lothians is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to launch this project to create and restore 85 ponds with local communities, transforming habitats and transforming lives across Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire & the Lothians.
