Felling For Frog's Future

At Tupsley Quarry Local Nature Reserve, in the heart of Hereford City, several thousand frogs and other amphibians gather each spring to start their familiar breeding cycles.

Unfortunately the ponds at Tupsley Quarry, managed by the Herefordshire Council Parks & Countryside Service, have dried up in recent summers - often before these important colonies can successfully spawn new generations.

The Herefordshire Council Parks & Countryside Service Ranger Team and HART (Herefordshire Amphibian and Reptile Team) are about to come to their rescue by undertaking important work to help the amphibians and safeguard their future.

Together the Rangers and HART plan to open up the ponds by coppicing some of the trees, which draw large amounts of moisture. They will also remove some of the silt, which has built up over the years.

Trevor Hulme, Countryside Ranger said “The coppicing of a small number of trees, mostly willow, could make the difference between success and failure for the frogs when they return around February.”

“We are pleased to be able to undertake this work in partnership with HART to reinstate the habitat for these amazing creatures.”

Tupsley Quarry is one of seven Local Nature Reserves in the county managed by Herefordshire Council Parks & Countryside Service. All the sites have different values but those in the City are a particularly important as they bring the countryside and wildlife to our doorsteps.

Over the coming years the Parks & Countryside Service hopes to sensitively manage the sites for their wildlife value and to improve their accessibility and use as an education resource.

The Parks & Countryside Service would welcome input from other local groups or organisations who would like to get involved in the management of Local Nature Reserves Tel: 01568 798320.