WARWICKSHIRE LIFE IN COLD BLOOD - REPTILES

REPTILE SURVEYING IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP

Starting at 10.00 am on Saturday 12 April 2008 at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, near Coventry

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Warwickshire Amphibian and Reptile Team would like to invite you to join them in this one-day workshop aimed at the non-professional who is interested in helping us to survey reptiles for both local and national projects.

The workshop will involve both an indoor ID session to hone your ID skills, and an afternoon visit to a reptile site to see the animals in their natural environment habitats, so make sure you bring along outdoor gear.

COST:       £6.50 per person, which includes free Warwickshire Amphibian and Reptile Team [WART] membership.  Refreshments will be provided.

Places are confirmed on receipt of payment, and are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

‘Buy one get one free’: If you came on the Amphibian Surveying Workshop, then please remind us, as this one will be free for you.

To reserve your place please contact Ian Jelley on 024 76308998.

None of the six native species of British reptiles is in the same league as the crafty rattlesnake filmed whilst hunting its prey on the Reptile programme in the BBC ‘Life in Cold Blood’ series, but they are equally fascinating and equally in need of our protection.

Our reptiles are the Cinderellas of the animal kingdom, receiving little publicity. For instance, try our quick quiz:

• Can you name the six native species of British reptile?
• Which is the only poisonous British snake?
• Can a grass snake swim?
• Is a slow worm a snake

Not sure of the answers? Or you do know the answers and would like to know more?

Then we would be delighted to meet you on this Reptile Workshop

Ian Jelley, event leader, says, “Reptiles don’t often receive a good press. They are shy, not cuddly and to many people the word reptile = snake = vicious and slimy. Sadly, this attitude leads to a good deal of persecution, but

reptiles are essential players in the health of the habitats where we find them. There are so many misconceptions, and the purpose of this workshop is to address them and help the participants understand our reptiles and their needs better – and then spread the good news to others.”

ENDS

Press Contact:                     Ian Jelley on 024 7630 8998 

  Last updated 28 March, 2008