Our reserves

The jewels in our crown, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation owns, leases or formally manages over 80 reserves covering more than 1500 ha (3800 acres) with a variety of different habitats, from coastal dunes to clay pits; woodland to heathland.

This land holding makes us one of the UK's leading managers of lowland dry heathland. By working in close co-operation with private landowners, local authorities and other NGOs, we are proud to protect some of Britain’s most precious habitat, saving some of our rarest native species of flora and fauna.

We have a dedicated field team dedicated to looking after these important places, and we work hard to ensure that all our reserves stay in tip top condition. The practical work involves the removal of trees and scrub; the control of bracken and other invasive plant species; the creation of basking sites for reptiles; and heather and gorse management to provide suitable vegetative structure to maintain the unique heathland fauna. This is carried out by our own team of specialist conservation field workers, working alongside our ever-growing list of enthusiastic volunteers.

And it’s not just amphibians and reptiles. We take into account the needs of all flora and fauna, and work to a holistic management plan, to benefit everyone - however big, or small: from Dartford warblers, to ladybird spiders.  

And we need your help to do this! Without the generous support of our ARC Friends and volunteers, we could not undertake this essential work, to save some of our most vulnerable native species, and ensure a future for all.