Standard project introductory email to Biodiversity officers, Wildlife trusts etc


Hi ....

I am pleased to announce that Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’s (ARC) application to the Welsh Government Ecosystem Resilience and Diversity Fund 2012/13 was successful and that the new project Reconnecting South Wales` Dragons is now underway as of today.

The project will deliver habitat creation at sites in South Wales designed to link known populations of BAP priority species (great crested newt, toad and all reptiles) through community involvement, training, survey and practical habitat works.  In particular the project aims to create pond networks, open mosaic habitats and dwarf shrub heath areas connecting with deciduous woodland edge.  The proposed habitat creation will also benefit a multitude of plant, invertebrate, bird and small mammal species.

Pond and habitat creation will be carried out during the winter months of 2012/13 in order to minimise disturbance, which leaves the remainder of the summer of 2012 to survey prospective sites.  I am also available to deliver talks and volunteer training in amphibian and reptile survey techniques. 

Would it be possible to arrange to meet up with regard to discussing habitat creation and the implementation of Reconnecting South Wales` Dragons in your area? 

In anticipation of your reply,

Kind regards,

Peter Hill

South Wales Habitat creation officer

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation




Introductory project email to the Federation of city farms and community gardens  


Hi ....

I have had a good look through the Federation of city farms and community gardens website and am very impressed with the general ethos.

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Peter Hill and I have recently begun the post of habitat creation officer for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC).

The project, “Reconnecting Welsh Dragons” is the first of its kind in Wales and aims to deliver habitat creation at sites in South Wales designed to link known populations of amphibians and reptiles through community involvement, training, survey and practical habitat works. 

I am contacting you as I am looking to promote and encourage the integration of wildlife conservation with community food growing.  For example, creating a network of wildlife ponds and hibernation sites where possible at community food growing projects, allotments and city farms potentially has multiple beneficiaries: 

  • Frogs, toads, newts and slow-worms are all predators of slugs and caterpillars and once established provide in house organic pest control
  • The animals themselves, currently on the decline throughout the country benefit directly from the increased habitat creation.
  • People and children especially benefit from the increased interaction and understanding of nature and eco-systems.
  • Creating terrestrial pond-side hibernation mounds from brash and soil excavated from the pond is an interesting and engaging educational activity enjoyed by all.
  • Hibernation mounds can also be multi-functional, treated as a form of raised bed, not only do they provide vital frost free winter retreats for the army of organic pest regulators within but they can be planted with a mixture of annual or perennial vegetables, fruit bushes and bee forage, simultaneously contributing to increased pollination and yield.
  • Light reflecting from the pond surface creates a heat trap around the pond and combined with the increased humidity, effects a microclimate that permits otherwise sensitive edibles to flourish.
  • Occasional and well-planned pond dipping forays (not too often to minimise disturbance) are a fantastic educational resource that enables children and adults to rapidly gain an understanding of food webs and how ecosystems function.



Ponds have been given a bad press in the past with regard to health and safety risks.  The truth however is that “goldfish free” wildlife ponds need not be deep.  Lush vegetative growth around the pond edge or fencing surrounding the pond in extremely sensitive cases works well as a barrier.  Climbing plants and crops can of course be grown on any fence or trellis in such cases further increasing growing space. 

As well as increasing the amphibian population, a diversity of invertebrate species, bats and birds will utilise the pond.  Biodiversity increases dramatically very quickly. 

I am also available to give talks and deliver volunteer training to schools and groups etc.  I will be operating throughout South Wales and may be able to stretch to mid Wales direction also. 

At home, I am a very keen edible gardener myself and utilise the same methodology described above in my own fruit and vegetable garden.

There are opportunities here to do good things together!

In anticipation of your reply,

Kind regards,

Peter Hill

South Wales Habitat creation officer

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation