5th September, 2007 Sand lizards from Marwell Zoo are being released at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Coombe Heath reserve near Wool. The most threatened of Britain’s six reptile species, the sand lizard has suffered from massive loss of heathland habitat due to urban development and changes in land use. Listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, it is now benefiting from efforts to join up the remaining fragments of heath in Dorset. The Herpetological Conservation Trust and Natural England have been working with Marwell Zoo to breed these rare lizards in conditions as close as possible to their natural heath or dune habitats. The enclosures are outdoors, south facing and predator proof with some natural vegetation but most of the insect food is provided commercially. Eggs are collected and artificially incubated. Success rates are good, provided a suitable site can be found for release. Nick Moulton from HCT said “The site habitat at Coombe has been well managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Weld Estate and is now ideal for the sand lizard to be returned to the site. This has every chance of success and will ensure that all six of the UK’s native terrestrial reptiles are present again on Coombe.” This is part of an on-going programme, with about 50 young lizards released each year. Dorset Wildlife Trust welcomes volunteers to help to maintain and protect their habitat. For more information contact them on 01305 264620 or go to www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk.