The rough tussock grassland and open water areas found on the Bishop’s Meadow provide excellent habitat for populations of common reptiles and amphibians. To make the Meadow even more welcoming, log piles have been left around the site providing potential hibernation spots and refuges for toads and other creatures.

Casual sightings of grass snake, slow-worm, common frog, toad and smooth newt have been recorded across the site. Grass snakes, toads and slow-worms are all UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Priority Species and further investigation of herptile species on the Meadow is currently being carried out in partnership with the Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG).

Common frog (Rana Temporaria)

The Common Frog has smooth, wet skin, long legs and large prominent eyes. It can be found in damp habitats, like wet meadows, gardens and ponds.

Although widespread across Great Britain, the Common Frog is thought to be in decline.

Common toad (Bufo Bbufo)

The Common Toad is most easily identified by its skin which is dry and warty unlike that of a frog which is smooth and usually moist. Common Toads can vary in colour from dark brown to brick red and male Common Toads are generally smaller than females.

Common Toads can be found in hedgerows, scrub, some gardens and rough grassland (particularly wet meadows). In Britain it is widespread, however, populations have declined and it is now listed as a Priority Species of Conservation Concern.