ARC Ecological Services ARC Ecological Services Ltd (ARC ESL) is an ecological consultancy whose profits are donated to the charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC). Our services include protected species surveys, impact assessment, mitigation planning, post-development monitoring, European Protected Species licence management, and habitat management planning. ARC ESL specialises in projects involving amphibians and reptiles, and can also undertake general ecological consultancy work. To discuss your needs, contact ARC ESL at [email protected] or use our contact form. Services Projects About Contact News & Events Latest news New great crested newt and sand lizard reports published Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has published two important reports by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC). Working with NRW, specialists at ARC undertook an analysis of the current status of the great crested newt in Wales. This research included a review of the sources of information and data management methods needed to properly assess the status of this strictly protected species. The ARC team also investigated assessments of newt populations at selected well-monitored sites, and how setting site-based targets can assist with surveillance. The report recommends how future surveillance efforts and data management would benefit from a more structured framework. In the second report an ARC team assessed the status of the sand lizard at Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve in North Wales. The project was prompted by potential adverse impacts on the sand lizard population following substantial groundworks aimed at re-mobilising the sand dune system. The report found that, despite local impacts on habitat quality and connectivity, sand lizards persist at the site. It appears that the works will likely improve the dune system for a range of species, including sand lizards, in the long-term although it is believed that such works have potential to seriously deplete small populations if not carefully planned. The report makes recommendations for future re-mobilisation works to ensure species like the sand lizard are properly considered and proposes management methods for this species in sand dunes. K Haysom, D Driver, M Cartwright, J Wilkinson and J Foster. 2018. Great Crested Newt in Wales, with specific references to its long-term prospects and within its stronghold in North-East Wales. NRW Science Report Series. Report No: 259. pp 113, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor. https://cdn.naturalresources.wales/media/687859/eng-evidence-report-259-review-of-the-current-conservation-status-ccs-of-the-great-crested-newt-in-wales.pdf Hill P, Moulton N & Foster J. 2018. Sand lizard surveys at Newborough Warren NNR and sand dune habitat management guidance. NRW Evidence Report No: 302, 103 pp, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor. https://cdn.naturalresources.wales/media/687861/eng-report-302-sand-lizard-surveys-at-newborough-warren-nnr-and-sand-dune.pdf Manage Cookie Preferences