This year, RSK Biocensus was pleased to sponsor the annual Herpetofauna Workers Meeting. This two-day conference was organised by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC-Trust) and was held in Glasgow for the first time in 13 years.
As expected, the conference was an interesting and thought-provoking mix of presentations and workshops (there was also a Gala Ball on Saturday evening!). Attendees enjoyed talks about case studies/projects and strategies, presented by: ARC-Trust, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, NatureScot, Freshwater Habitats Trust, and Edinburgh Napier University.
The workshops covered a diverse range of topics, including: ‘Genetic techniques in Reptile and Amphibian surveys’, ‘Youth Symposium – the importance of young voices in ecology’, ‘Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) in amphibian habitats’, and ‘Modernising the Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index’.
Representing RSK Biocensus at the event were Chris Cathrine, Laura Johnstone, Leanne Cooke and Michael Hogg, from our Scotland team. They were joined by Sam Spickett, who travelled to the event from over the border.
Chris Cathrine, Technical Director, gave his thoughts about the conference:
“It was a real pleasure to open day 2 of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Herpetofauna Workers Meeting 2026, and chair the first session.
I took the opportunity to reflect on what had changed (or not) in the 13 years since the last time this flagship UK conference was held in Scotland. This included negatives, but I think it’s important we recognise positives, of which there are many – notably the recent activity from NatureScot on reptiles and amphibians driven by Catherine Whatley.
It was also great that RSK Biocensus were able to support the conference as the lead sponsor, showing our dedication to the wider ecology community, skills sharing, and research.”
“It is impossible to summarise everything, so I thought I would share three highlights for me:
The first is the presentation of the Scottish Herp Strategy by Catherine Whatley of NatureScot. She is at the steering wheel, driving real change in the approach to conserving reptiles and amphibians in Scotland, with the impact being increasingly felt in our neighbouring countries, England and Wales. There has been a new focus on protecting our native species of reptiles and amphibians from this government agency since Catherine took up her position, and it is so refreshing. I’ve not felt so positive about herp conservation in Scotland for many years!
My second highlight from the conference was the joint presentation by Alexandria Shaw of WSP and Callum McLaren of West Lothian Council, concerning great crested newt mitigation at an ex-landfill site. This was a fantastic example of collaboration in action and working between local authority, contractors, and ecological consultants. It was a really positive and insightful presentation on some fantastic work done to protect great crested newts and other amphibians – sharing good practice at its best. A real good news story.
The third and final highlight is more of a thread or theme: rewilding. Lisa Chilton of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture gave an excellent overview of what rewilding can look like at a local community level and more broadly, incorporating reptiles and amphibians.
There were then three presentations on conservation translocation projects: ‘Natterjack toads’ (Jack Harper of ARC-Trust), ‘Pool frogs’ (Lewis Dunmore of Zoological Society of East Anglia and Tim Baker of Natural England), and ‘Species not currently occurring naturally in the UK’ (Harvey-Jay Tweats of Celtic Rewilding). The level of consideration and technical skill brought to bear in the first two was awe-inspiring, while the third was more bold and speculative.
All of these rolled together showing what rewilding is now and visions of what it could be in the future – very inspiring!”
Laura Johnstone, Assistant Ecologist, also spoke about her experience at the event:
“We all enjoyed speaking about our company, reptiles, amphibians, ecology, and careers. I was surprised to see so many people I already knew from the ecology community.
This was my first time attending a HERP conference, and I was made to feel very welcome by all. Saturday evening entertainment was brilliant and engaging. There were quiz questions and an art and craft competition, where each table was asked to make a mystical creature, a cousin of the Loch Ness monster, and our table made the Scalley Haggis! All the monsters made were unique and Scottish!”
Last but not certainly not least, Sam Spickett, Senior Ecological Consultant, shared his experience of the event:
“The UK’s herpetofauna community may be small, but its impact on amphibian and reptile conservation is significant. This was clearly demonstrated across these two days: bringing together volunteers, ecologists, community groups, academics, e-NGOs and local planning authorities, alongside a keynote address from MSP and Nature Champion, Sharon Downey.
The programme showcased the breadth of current work in the sector, including reflections on the history of freshwater biology, debates and opportunities around rewilding, and conservation successes such as translocation and recovery programmes, like the one by Natural England and ZSL for the ‘Northern Clade Pool Frog’, or the ‘Natterjack Toad’ by ARC-Trust.
Ongoing efforts to understand the threats, and conservation efforts to protect Great Crested Newts, featured in several presentations, with particular interest: the impact of landfill sites on this species.
Another standout session, was a workshop that focused on the Great Crested Newt Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), examining how this long-standing 25-year-old assessment tool remains relevant, what needs updating, and how a future, multi-agency approach (NE/NRW/NatScot) might better support conservation outcomes across the UK.
It was also fascinating to hear about the pioneering work by Dr. Bob Steddings on Grass Snake ecology and conservation; and also the work undertaken across the overseas territories, including threats by invasive species.
For a small, passionate, and dedicated community, and despite the unpredictability of P&I Bill, it’s hard not to be a little optimistic for the future of our native amphibians and reptiles.”
We are delighted that the team had a great time and are proud to have sponsored the event. The year is just getting started, and we are looking forward to what else is to come!