The Natterjack Man, Bill Shaw, has taken up residence at the MNC.  He is working for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARCT) as the Cumbria Natterjack Conservation Officer.

The Natterjack is the UK’s rarest amphibian and Bill’s task is to increase the populations of these endearing beasties all along the coastal fringe of the county, which is their traditional territory.

If you are interested in helping, please get in touch by calling Bill on (01229) 719658 or

e-mailing william.shaw@arc-trust.org.uk

For more on the ARC-Trust and their work in conserving all the UK’s reptiles and amphibians have a look

at the website, www.arc-trust.org

Cumbria currently has half of all the Natterjack breeding sites in the UK ranging from Barrow in the south right up to the Solway Firth.  They are instantly recognisable by the yellow stripe that runs down their back, and on warm spring nights the rasping call of the males can be heard as they attempt to attract a mate.  This gives them the accolade of the UK’s noisiest amphibian!

Bill can’t do all the work on his own so is keen to recruit people into the band of already active volunteers, who help survey the sites and do practical tasks to improve the habitat.