9
tendency to dry out, proceeding to scrub and then woodland. Growing areas of caravan
and campsites along the coast, agricultural practices and building sites developed on
former territories have all inflicted their toll. Past collecting by man (now illegal) has
doubtless also contributed.
Conservation
As usual the loss of habitat due to man's activites is the largest cause of the species'
decline. Some protection is afforded on reserves managed by nature conservation bodies
and by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is obviously necessary to ensure that
existing sites are not reduced further in size, and if possible to create additional habitat
possibly by extending into suitable adjacent areas. Access to some vulnerable sites near
towns which are liable to heavy human interference needs to be controlled. Where
spawning is seen to have taken place in unsuitable areas, sufficient water needs to be
brought in to maintain levels during dry weather, and some spawn removed to fresh
ponds, ensuring sufficient food is available to the developing tadpoles.
Restriction of interference, prevention of further developments and finally attempts to form new
colonies appears to be the species best hope for continued survival.
References
Smith, Malcolm The British Amphibians and Reptiles. Collins New Naturalist.
Frazer, Deryk Reptiles and Amphibians in Britain. Collins New Naturalist.
Hvass, Hans Reptiles and Amphibians. Blandford Colour Series.
Barnes, R. Coasts and Estuaries- The Natural History of Britain and North Europe.
Fitter, R. &. Collins Guide to Freshwater Life.
Manuel, R
Evans, Ros Nature Guide to East Anglia and Lincolnshire. Usborne.
Ken Hill
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER
Please send contributions for the next Newsletter, due out August, to the Editor, Mr
Peter Harvey, 9 Kent Road, Grays, RM17 6DE by the end of July at the latest.
Remember that the production of the Newsletter depends on contributions from members.
Many members must have wildlife news, observations or the results of fieldwork that
would be of interest to others - do not underestimate the interest of your own observations!!
If text has already been typed on a standalone PC computer then a disk with the file would
be very helpful but typed or handwritten notes are welcome.
Deadline dates for the Newsletter each year
January/February Newsletter: deadline - end of December
April/May Newsletter: deadline - end of March
August/September Newsletter: deadline - end of July
October/November Newsletter: deadline - end of September
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 21, May 1997