Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK

The Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK are a network of local groups involved with the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the UK.

ARG UK is guided by a coordinating panel comprising a chair, vice-chair, treasurer, regional representatives and advisors (some panel members).  The panel is assisted by the Widespread Species Conservation Officer.  The coordinating panel meets normally twice a year in January/February and October.  

Regional representatives of ARG UK are responsible for the development of the ARG network.  The key roles of a regional representative are to:

• Support the work of ARGs within the region.
• Play an active role in the development of ARG UK.
• Seek opportunities to create new ARGs within a region if there are gaps and assist with the setting up of new ARGs.
• Act as a channel for information and advice between ARGs, regions and the ARG UK coordinating panel.

• Promote closer working relationships between ARGs and other conservation. organisations within a region through regional conferences, workshops and joint ARG events.

ARG UK regions in England are organised according to government regions. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales represent three further regions.

1. East of England (John Baker)

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk

2. West Midlands (Nigel Hand, Will Watson)

Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire

3. East Midlands (Andrew Heaton)

Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire

4. South West (Chris Gleed-Owen)

Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire

5. South East (Lee Brady, John Poland)

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex 

6. Yorkshire & the Humber (vacant)

North, East & West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North & part of NE Lincolnshire

7. North East (vacant)

Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

8. North West (Rebecca Cleaver)

Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire & Greater Manchester, Merseyside.

9. London (vacant)

Northern Ireland (Catherine Bertrand)

Scotland (Peter Leach) has four established ARG groups.

Wales (Julian Whitehurst) has six established ARG groups.