ARC Friends joined staff at the Witley Centre in Surrey on Friday 6 September 2019 for an exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into the charity’s work.

They enjoyed a rare opportunity to see and photograph species including a smooth snake and slow worms out in the countryside and sand lizards, grass snakes and toads back at the Centre’s education room.

The Weald field team was preparing for an event at the weekend and showed how they find amphibians and reptiles on site, handle them carefully under special licence and use well-managed face-to-face encounters to inform and educate the public about ARC’s work and funding needs.

Friends brought their cameras and captured some unique close-up photos and video.  ARC aims to develop an increasing range of film and photo resources for use online and on tablets to complement the use of live animals which will always be limited.

Martin O’Neill, ARC’s Communications & Outreach Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome our Friends to Witley and a thrill to see some of our species in their natural habitats.”

The support of ARC Friends helps give a voice to the UK's amphibians and reptiles - saving species and improving habitats.

For as little as £2 a month Friends receive an exclusive welcome pack, the ARC magazine and eNews, plus invitations and discounts including Friends’ Days.