Frogs and lizards

Frogs and lizards are protected species that you may come across in your garden. They feed on the invertebrates there and can do a good job removing some of our garden pests. Children love to see such animals so this is a good introduction to their environment. Take care with the lawn mower; a quick walk around the lawn first can save such animals from mower blades. They should not be captured or removed, except under licence. This includes frog spawn. Spawn can die if not looked after properly. If moved between sites, animal diseases and pest plants can be spread around the Island.

Note that the places of shelter or protection of these and other Schedule 5 species (Wildlife Act) are also protected against damage, destruction or the obstruction of access.

Frogs require ponds to spawn in and grassland close by to feed in at other times of the year. Ponds need not be large but should have a gently sloping edge and a variety of plants. They are best dug in an open area where they will receive light and warmth but not get clogged up with leaves in the autumn. If you are worried about a child falling into a pond, put a grid over it or fence it off, but leave enough holes in the grid for wildlife to come and go. Once you have built a pond and let the water settle and vegetation grow, frogs may move in on their own if they are in the area. Do not bring fish into a pond if you want frogs to breed successfully, as the spawn may be eaten very quickly.

Lizards live on sunny banks, where they have access to basking areas and invertebrates to feed on, but also cover to dive into if predators come by. Leave fallen logs, stones and small cracks and holes in the bank so that there are basking sites on top, and hibernation sites underneath.