Natterjack toad, photo by Karl Charters 1/3
NWT Holme Dunes, photo by Tasha North 2/3
Conservation grazing by Konik pony, photo by Liz Dack 3/3

Toads in holes at North Norfolk nature reserve


Saturday 11 October, 2014


Habitat work to benefit one of our most endangered amphibians at a north Norfolk National Nature Reserve has been made possible thanks to funding of over £31,000 from SITA Trust.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has received a £31,214 funding boost from SITA Trust for its  ‘Toads in Holes’ project at NWT Holme Dunes NNR.

This project will deliver vital natterjack toad habitat improvements – stripping turf and re-profiling existing natterjack pools and digging new pools. Natterjacks require pools that are sufficiently deep so they don’t dry out too early, with a sloped entry for ease of access.

Renewal of old broken down fence lines is also a vital part of this project, allowing more areas of the site to be grazed by NWT’s ponies and sheep. The short grass and areas of bare ground created by conservation grazing are crucial for a variety of invertebrates, which in turn provide a rich food source for natterjacks.

Natterjack toads have brown or green skin covered in warts, which are typically bright red or yellow, and have the distinguishing feature of a thin, bold, yellow stripe down their back. They are endangered in the UK and therefore have strict protection under British and European law. In Norfolk they are resident on the NWT nature reserves at Holme and Syderstone Common; as well as Holkham and the Natural England reserve in Winterton.

Head of nature reserves at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Kevin Hart said: “we are extremely grateful to SITA Trust for the funding which will enable us to protect and  re-invigorate this reserve as optimal habitat for natterjack toads and important plant species. Ensuring that new ponds and their terrestrial habitats are created and maintained is pivotal to increasing toad numbers and securing the population as one of only two sites on the North Norfolk Coast where this species can be found.”

Jools Granville of SITA Trust added “We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund.”

Marek Gordon CEO and Chairman of SITA Trust added “SITA Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.3 billion.”
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