Devon's rare reptiles and amphibians get £50k habitat boost
A wildlife charity has received almost £50,000 for habitat restoration work to increase the number of rare reptiles and amphibians in Devon.
Lowland heath will be restored at four sites in the county to help species including great crested newts and adders.
The three-year project will be undertaken by Devon Wildlife Trust.
The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts has provided the grant from the Biffaward scheme.
Work will include creating ponds, egg laying heaps and sites where animals can hibernate.
Andy Bakere, nature reserves coordinator, said: "Reptiles and amphibians are particularly vulnerable and in decline which is largely due to the loss of lowland heath.
"This is the only habitat which supports all six native species of reptiles, so by targeting work in these areas there is a good chance of boosting populations," he added.
The four reserves where work will take place are Bovey Heathfield and Chudleigh Knighton Heath, both in the Bovey Basin, and Lickham Common and Ashculm Turbary in the Blackdown Hills.