Froglife

We were treated to a very interesting talk by James Stead of “Froglife”.  James described, in particular, the work which is being done locally to protect and promote a healthy amphibian wild life.  A Healthy amphibian population is a key component for a healthy and diverse wildlife in general.  The Club’s VOT was given by Alan Farquarson.

Froglife is a national wildlife charity committed to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles – frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards – and saving the habitats they depend on. 

James Stead joined Froglife mid-way through the Living Water project in July 2012, but was just in time to start working on Phase 2 of the project. He also worked as the Project Officer for the Scottish Dragon Finder project based in Stirling, but is now the Come Forth for Wildlife Project Manager. James originally studied at the Newton Rigg campus and graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Animal Conservation Science.

He has held several positions previously with the RSPB in Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where the majority of his time was spent surveying for breeding wading birds.

Before joining Froglife, James was employed as an assistant ecologist for over a year surveying for a variety of wildlife from birds to bats, amphibians to reptiles and dormice to badgers. James has also been involved in voluntary projects in Israel and the Seychelles. His favourite reptile is the common lizard because they look like they don’t want to be messed with!