There are a great many other habitats which are used by our amphibian and reptiles - including hedgerows, woodland and woodland edges, and rough pasture. In fact, most forms of naturally occurring habitat can home one or more of the more widespread species.

Equally, man made habitats are often used. Typical examples are road and railway embankments, parkland, school grounds, allotments and, of course, gardens. Allotments and gardens in particular can give people the chance to see some of these fascinating creatures close up. The common frog, smooth and palmate newts, and slow-worms are widespread species that have readily adopted gardens as a substitute for natural habitat. Not only that, but since they all prey on slugs and insects, they're a true gardener's friend!

Most people would not consider industrial sites such as an operating steelworks or an active sand and gravel quarry to be a good wildlife habitat but for one species these places can be a real 'Des Res' - the natterjack toad! Find out more about natterjack toads on industrial sites