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 form another four regions.

1. East of England - vacant  Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk

2. West Midlands - Nigel Hand, Will Watson (appointed 2010)  Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire

3. East Midlands - Chris Monk (appointed 2010)

Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire

4. South West (Chris Gleed-Owen)  Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire

5. South East - John Poland, Philip Bowles (appointed 2010)  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 - John Grundy (appointed 2010) Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

8. North West - David Orchard  Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire & Greater Manchester, Merseyside.

9. London - vacant

Northern Ireland - Catherine Bertrand.

Scotland - Peter Leach.

North Wales - Julian Whitehurst (appointed 2009).

South Wales - Chaela Carrell (appointed 2009).

Advisors  Lee Brady (data), Jim Foster (Natural England), Tony Gent (ARC Trust), John McKinnell (Scottish Natural Heritage), Alan Shepherd (The Wildlife Trusts).