Following the success of our Reptile Survey Skills training day in June, we are planning to run another one in September. It will be based in the Bournemouth area (Dorset). Subject matter will be as diverse as last time, again focusing on developing skills that enable surveyors to make their own assessments of reptile status in professional settings. We are currently considering various dates for the September course, and further details will be announced soon. Cost for the day will remain at £80. Contact Chris Gleed-Owen , 07846 137346, 01202 251114, www.cgoecology.com.

The UK's two main herpetofauna charities - Froglife and The Herpetological Conservation Trust (the HCT) - have today merged to form a single new charity called 'Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’. Traditionally, Froglife focused its efforts on awareness and public campaigns, whereas the HCT's emphasis was on rare species conservation and managing 80 nature reserves.

The Dorset Amphibian and Reptile Network (DARN) is a communication and action network set up to further the conservation of native amphibians and reptiles in the county of Dorset. Membership is by inclusion on an email circulation list, and the group is run by volunteers.

CGO Ecology has been commissioned by Dorset County Council to carry out a reptile survey of the A338 Spur Road north of Bournemouth, Dorset. The 8.5 km road will be subject to a £27-million 'rebuild' over the next two years, with barrier upgrades and verge drainage renewal.