I have just recieved this e-mail about lizards in Montrose that are in need of help!
Hi All, VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY SOUGHT!! There is currently a development underway just north of Montrose behind the dunes at Kinnaber, where a cycle path is being constructed across the common. This is an area populated by good numbers of common lizards, a species which as some of you may know, is protected against intentional killing and injuring. I have been in last-minute discussions with Angus Council and visited the site today with Mark Davidson from the Engineering and Design Services division. We have discussed mitigation measures for the lizards which involves regularly checking artificial refugia and removing any lizards found to other parts of the common. It may also involve walking in front of the excavators when the time comes, to capture any remaining lizards which may or may not be fleeing from the disturbance (this activity is yet to be confirmed). Unfortunately, ecological surveys were not deemed necessary before the work started so this effort, usually undertaken by professional ecologists, was not scheduled in. However, we now have the opportunity to at least help some of the resident lizard population before they are crushed or buried during the construction of the new cycle path. Many hands make light work, the more effort the better and I could really do with some volunteers, perhaps working on a rota basis, to visit the site and move the lizards out of the way. If you think you can help, please do get back to me as soon as possible. I have yet to receive final time schedules, but this is days/weeks away, not months. This work can be done during a short period in the evening (lighter nights as of next week!) This may particularly suit students with an ecological interest?? and offer some practical experience in conservation mitigation. I will be on hand to coordinate and offer training/demonstration/supervision as required, so please do let me know if you can help. Please forward this email to anyone you think may be interested or able to help, particularly if they live within a few miles of Montrose. Hope to hear from you, Trevor RoseFriends of Angus Herpetofauna 07778 830192
Millie & Fly the Border Collies