Landscape Connectivity

An example of connectivity at a landscape level of areas occupied by amphibians. An unshaded field pond surrounded by tussocky grassland and linked by hedgerows to woodland and other ponds.

(c) Phyl King (Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Team) 

Natterjack habitat:

Natterjacks have a much more restricted distribution and very different habitat requirements from other amphibians.  The surrounding habitat needs to be more open and the ponds generally shallower. Indeed as other amphibians species can 'out-compete' natterjacks it is often important that the habitat should not be too favourable for the more widespread species.

Gardens:

Gardens and other open areas in urban and sub-urban environments such as school grounds & allotments provide valuable habitat for many species of amphibian, particularly the smaller newt species and common frogs, though common toads and even great crested newts do occur in these areas. Garden ponds are valuable features for conserving amphibians in urban an sub-urban areas.  Amphibians need access from the ponds to surrounding terrestrial habitat that provides both cover and food. A leaflet outlining what can be done to promote amphibian and reptile conservation in gardens or other small areas, such as allotments or school grounds, is available in our downloads section here.

Sustainable urban drainage schemes:

Many opportunities exist when developing drainage systems to create habitats that benefit amphibians.  These can be along road sides but also in industrial sites, service areas, schools and housing developments.  Sustainable urban drainage schemes not only create ponds and wetland habitat they also avoid features such as 'gully pot drainage' and high kerbs that can trap or restrict movement of amphibians.

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