Damien Moore MP, the Species Champion for natterjack toads, visited Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) at our office on the Sefton Coast in February. ARC staff Fiona Sunners and Jim Foster discussed both local and national natterjack toad conservation issues with Damien.  As MP for Southport, Damien has a particular interest in the work being done to bolster natterjack toad populations along the Sefton Coast. Fiona and Jim outlined habitat management and volunteer support work happening as part of the Gems in the Dunes project, part of the national Back from the Brink programme led by Rethink Nature and Natural England. Damien was especially interested to learn about the innovative public engagement work in this project, which involves community arts and activities for children and families. The opportunities presented nationally by the Agriculture and Environment Bills were also touched on, and Damien is keen to engage where there are particular issues that could help natterjack toad conservation.

Read more about ARC's work with MP's championing rare species such as the smooth snake and adder on our Species Champion page.